Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken significant steps to enhance consular services for overseas Pakistanis. The move comes as part of a broader effort to improve public access and facilitate citizens’ interactions with government agencies.
The ministry briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the progress of initiatives aimed at digitizing systems, including document attestation and foreign payments. These enhancements aim to streamline processes and provide greater convenience for overseas Pakistanis.
Document attestation services have been introduced at various centers, such as the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, where citizens can now register their complaints using QR codes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to simplify procedures and improve public access.
The ministry has also launched an evening shift at the Foreign Office in Islamabad to facilitate citizens’ interactions during late-night hours. Additionally, work is progressing rapidly on digitizing the attestation process under the Apostille system, which reduces the time required for authentication certificates.
Furthermore, a mobile application is being developed through NITB to digitally attest documents such as birth and death certificates, marriage registration certificates, family registration certificates, and other official documents. This move aims to further enhance public facilitation and accessibility.
The ministry has also introduced morning and evening shifts at Pakistani embassies abroad to provide greater convenience for overseas Pakistanis. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving services and ensuring efficient, transparent, and timely facilitation for citizens.
In May, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar briefed Shehbaz Sharif on measures aimed at enhancing public facilitation, including plans to digitize consular services. He directed that these services be further strengthened to ensure “efficient, transparent, and timely facilitation” for the public.
The ministry’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic presence abroad and improve relations with overseas communities. By investing in digitalization and simplifying procedures, the government aims to increase citizen engagement and promote economic growth through investment.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
