The Government of Pakistan has taken significant steps to enhance consular services for overseas Pakistanis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the progress of these initiatives, which include digitization of systems for document attestation and foreign payments.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), PM Shehbaz chaired a meeting in Islamabad where he was briefed on the progress of these initiatives by officials from various ministries. The briefing covered enhanced services at Pakistani embassies, including the digitization of the document attestation process and a further simplified mechanism for complaints.
The Prime Minister emphasized that overseas Pakistanis are his country’s valuable asset, and providing them with all kinds of facilities is the government’s top priority. He quoted PM Shehbaz as saying: “Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset, and providing them with all kinds of facilities is the government’s top priority.”
The meeting was informed that a QR code-based system has already been introduced to simplify processes regarding power of attorney, purchase and sale of property, and attestation of documents. The Prime Minister welcomed this initiative, directing that these codes be prominently displayed at Pakistani embassies and missions abroad.
He also instructed the launch of a special awareness campaign for overseas Pakistanis so that more people would be able to use the QR code-based system to register their complaints. Additionally, an evening shift has recently been launched at the Foreign Office in Islamabad to facilitate citizens.
Document attestation services have also been introduced at the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad. The system has been integrated with databases of various ministries and agencies, making the attestation process faster and more efficient.
The Prime Minister was informed that work is progressing rapidly on the next phase to fully digitize this entire system. A mobile application is being developed through which documents such as birth and death certificates, marriage registration certificates, family registration certificates, and other official documents will also be digitally attested.
A meeting earlier chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed measures for further improving consular services, including plans to digitalize these services and introduce morning and evening shifts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed that these services should be strengthened to ensure efficient, transparent, and timely facilitation for the public.
In May, the deputy premier highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress and invited overseas Pakistanis to “honour their roots” and invest in the country. This initiative aims to attract more investment from abroad while addressing Pakistani-American community leaders in New York.
Overall, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to providing better services for overseas Pakistanis. With continued efforts, it is likely that the digitization of consular services will become a reality, making life easier and more convenient for citizens.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
