ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Chaudhry Salik Hussain has taken notice of the issue of blocked passports of overseas Pakistanis.
As per the media reports, he has written an official letter to the Interior Ministry about this matter. The issue was brought to the minister’s attention by the Pakistan Business Forum France, and a decision was made to act on it quickly.
Chaudry Salik Hussain called the situation sensitive. He said that overseas Pakistanis should not face any unnecessary trouble, and an immediate inquiry into the matter is needed. He stressed, “Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset. They should not be harassed unfairly. No injustice against them will be tolerated.”
The federal minister also announced that the ministry will set up special “facilitation desks” at airports for overseas Pakistanis. These desks will help solve their problems quickly and provide them with all possible support.
According to a letter sent to the federal minister by the Pakistan Business Forum France, led by Patron-in-Chief Ibrahim Dar, Chairman Zahoor Iqbal, and President Aslam Chaudhry, reports have been received that thousands of overseas Pakistanis’ passports have been blocked.
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The letter also stated that staff at Pakistani airports are stopping overseas Pakistanis and taking bribes ranging from four to five lakh rupees.
The letter further explained that overseas Pakistanis are being forced to miss flights under the excuse of document inquiries, causing them a lot of worry. It demanded that the issue be resolved immediately to restore trust in the government among overseas Pakistanis.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain has promised full cooperation to solve this problem. He said that the issues of overseas Pakistanis will be addressed on a priority basis, and they will be given all possible facilities.
The federal minister has directed the Interior Ministry and other related departments to conduct an immediate inquiry and take strict action against those responsible.
These steps are important to give overseas Pakistanis a sense of security from the government. The federal minister assured that all possible measures will be taken to protect the rights of overseas Pakistanis.
