Ministry mulls proposing bill to protect properties of Overseas Pakistanis

Islamabad: The Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has undertaken an initiative to protect the properties of Overseas Pakistanis by proposing a new bill that will address the woes of expatriates with regards to their properties, according to news published on March 29.

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A document issued by the ministry revealed that approximately 9 million Pakistanis are working and residing in different countries around the globe and are helping in the socio-economic uplift of the country. It was highlighted that there is no direct mechanism for offering solutions to protect of their properties.
Previously, a proposal regarding the establishment of Special Courts for Overseas Pakistanis through an Ordinance or Act of Parliament was tabled before the Cabinet Division. The Cabinet Division reviewed and approved the proposal titled ‘Establishment of Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis Property), Act/Ordinance 2022’. However, the ordinance has not been promulgated under Article 89 of the Constitution.

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The ministry has again submitted the proposal summary to Prime Minister through Law & Justice Division. Reportedly, the Prime Minister’s office held a meeting with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and HRD and instructed to take all stakeholders on board.
In compliance with these instructions, the summary has been shared with departments including; the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication, Islamabad High Court, Office of the Chief Commissioner ICT, Law & Justice Division, Finance Division, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab, and Capital Development Authority (CDA).When the departments submit their reviews, the bill will again be routed for processing of the ordinance.