2 weeks Ago By Sirajuddin Aziz
The least the State can offer overseas Pakistanis is respect and dignity in return for their remittances, which surpass exports by any sector or industry. While our traders enjoy numerous benefits, overseas Pakistanis are often left with mere platitudes. Their humiliation starts the moment they land back.
Like vultures, various government agencies — customs, immigration, security — pounce on them. Even the CAA-approved baggage loaders are part of this organised abuse and harassment, working in collusion with security staff and private transporters to extort exorbitant charges. Despite the CCTV cameras installed in arrival and departure lounges, hardly anyone has been prosecuted for these daylight heists.
The recent Overseas Pakistanis Convention was indeed commendable, especially the speeches by the Prime Minister and Army Chief. Most of these overseas Pakistanis, who remit savings to support their families in Pakistan, are poor workers. Their commitment to their families and country is praiseworthy.
A few invest in Pakistan, buying land to build a house or to start businesses upon their return. However, they often become victims of powerful land mafia groups, supported by corrupt officials, local political figures, and elements within law enforcement — as seen in cases such as CDA’s E-12/4 scheme and Islamabad’s DHA Valley. Calls by certain irresponsible politicians to discourage remitting money through banking channels were rightly ignored.
Ironically, our ruling elite — both political and bureaucratic — who themselves engage in the reverse flow of foreign exchange to settle abroad post-retirement, should learn a lesson about true commitment to Pakistan. MALIK TARIQ ALI, Lahore..
