Friday, April 11, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 4,1429    

Khursheed assures full protection to investors

Staff Reporter

Islamabad—Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Syed Khurshied Ahmed Shah said that government would provide complete protection to the investment made by Overseas Pakistanis in the country. Addressing the 15-member delegation led by Ch. Liaqat Ali Lord Mayor London Borogh of Waltham Forest U.K. hereon, Wednesday, the Minister said that government to give complete assurance to the Overseas Pakistanis investors to come forward and make investment in the country for its progress and prosperity of the people. Managing Director OPF Syed Nayyer Hasnain Haider, and Director Administration OPF Mr. Habib ur Rehman Khan were also present in the meeting.

The Minister said that OPF is working to establish Industrial State for Overseas Pakistanis at Chakri Interchange in the collaboration with government of Punjab. This Industrial State would be attractive point for Overseas Pakistanis Investors. He urged that Pakistani Community living abroad should play their due role in building of the country by making investment of their valuable earnings. Syed Khurshied Ahmed Shah assured the delegation that the issue of right of vote to Overseas Pakistanis has been taken up with Election Commission to evolve a mechanism through which Overseas Pakistanis could be able to exercise their right of vote from abroad.

The Minister asked the delegation to bring suggestions and proposals for the welfare of Overseas Pakistanis. He stressed the need for establishing strong interaction with Overseas Pakistanis, so that, their problems could be addressed effectively. He appreciated the contribution of Overseas Pakistanis, which they made by remitting billion of dollars to Pakistan. Syed Khurshied Ahmed Shah said that Hajj quota reserved for Overseas Pakistanis has been increased and this year 1000 dependents of Overseas Pakistanis would be able to perform Hajj.

He said, that OPF would facilitate the Overseas Pakistanis in making traveling arrangements of Hajj. Ch. Liaqat Ali Mayor of London desired that the present coalition government should address the problems of Overseas Pakistanis and provide them complete security. He said that Overseas Pakistanis are willing to bring their investment in Pakistan; however, the incentives and protection given by the government would be attractive for them. He also paid tribute to the Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed who had made laudable struggle for restoration of democracy in Pakistan. He said martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto is an unbearable loss of Pakistan.

Managing Director OPF Syed Nayyer Hasnain Haider while briefing the delegation highlighted the core areas of welfare activities of OPF for Overseas Pakistanis. He said that OPF is mainly focusing’ the welfare, education and housing sectors.