Being one of the largest exporters of manpower, Pakistan is estimated to have over nine million citizens who are working abroad. While the largest clusters of Overseas Pakistanis work in the Middle East, there is a considerable number of Pakistani nationals working in the Far East countries, UK and USA.
In the midst of a pandemic which has caused governments around the world to implement lockdowns and impose strict restrictions on local and international travel, the governments around the world are under pressure to bring home their citizens which are stranded in foreign countries. The situation of stranded Overseas Pakistanis is even worse as most of them are low-paid manual workers who cannot afford to bear their living expenses in foreign countries after losing their jobs as a result of the lockdown.
Besides the Pakistani embassies in host countries, the main point of contact for Overseas Pakistanis for resolution of all their issues and complaints is Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, a federal government institution functioning under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development. Under the directions of Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, who has been working on the frontline of government’s repatriation efforts, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation has been providing maximum support and guidance to stranded Overseas Pakistani awaiting their return to the country. The 24/7 Emergency Relief Cell set up at OPF Head Office Islamabad is in close contact with stranded Pakistani citizens has so far forwarded complaints of more than 7000 Overseas Pakistanis to the relevant government departments/Pak Missions. OPF’s Facilitation Desks at international airports across the country are providing maximum possible assistance to repatriated Overseas Pakistanis, even serving them free food, where required. OPF’s free ambulance service available at all international airports is dealing with transportation of dead bodies, where required.
In the wake of closure of borders and airspace by several countries and the different policies adopted by different governments regarding the expats / foreign nationals from their respective countries, the Government of Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to coordinate with foreign governments to make repatriation of its citizens possible. Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development during this time has remained engaged with concerned Pak Missions, Pakistan International Airlines and other government departments to ensure safe and timely return of stranded Pakistani citizens.
The continued personal interest of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development and weeks of concerted efforts by responsible government departments, have culminated into successful return of more than 11,000 Overseas Pakistanis so far. These include citizens repatriated from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, UK, Canada, Japan, Oman, Indonesia, South Africa, Maldives, Congo, Bahrain, Indian and Afghanistan.
The issue of stranded Pakistanis is one of the key priorities of the current government and that the decision regarding the repatriation of remaining stranded Pakistanis is being taken keeping in view the quarantine facilities and testing capacity in Pakistan.
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