The First Annual Overseas Pakistani Convention was held in Islamabad from April 13 – 16, 2025, officially launched on a mission to recognize and mobilise the power of Pakistan’s globally dispersed community towards an inclusive development ethos. The convention is not just an event, it’s the launching of a greater, more formal way of interacting between Pakistan and its citizens abroad. The return of diaspora is more than a symbolic gesture but an integral part of the ongoing journey of Pakistan to become economically doable, globally and culturally integrated and viable.
The Pakistani diaspora consisting of millions of individuals scattered in different corners of the world has matured as an important plank of the nation’s global image. Not only are these expatriates’ remitters of foreign exchange; they are also ambassadors of Pakistani culture, values and expertise. They are scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals who have been instrumental in creating change in their countries of residence but have stayed deeply rooted to their homeland. Their reach extends beyond economics; they influence how Pakistan is viewed in the world.
The UN defines Pakistan as having the 7th largest diaspora in the world. The sheer size of the Diaspora has a huge scope for their impact on Pakistan’s development
The UN defines Pakistan as having the 7th largest diaspora in the world. The sheer size of the Diaspora has a huge scope for their impact on Pakistan’s development. Having such a diverse and vast body, the diaspora can also bring about a change in the relations with Pakistan abroad through its diplomatic relations, increase foreign investment in Pakistan and turns it into a strong soft power.
Overseas Pakistanis have made large and constant economic contributions. In remittance receipts, Pakistan earns near top ten position in the World Bank rating. Remittances to Pakistan from the overseas community alone amounted to around $8.8 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, and that single figure speaks for itself when it comes to the country’s need for economic stability. The figures represent not just figures on a balance sheet, remittances are better living standards for families, support for small businesses, and the opportunity for growth in underdeveloped regions.
In addition to remittances, the Roshan Digital Account has, for example, enabled overseas Pakistanis to create direct links with the country’s financial markets
In addition to remittances, the Roshan Digital Account has, for example, enabled overseas Pakistanis to create direct links with the country’s financial markets. The diaspora is investing in government bonds, real estate, and the stock exchange to support the formal economy and bring in much needed foreign capital. Such initiatives are a move towards more comprehensively inclusive economic policies that include and utilize the diaspora’s capabilities.
The convention aimed at providing a structured platform for such engagement, an opportunity for diaspora members to contribute their expertise, market their businesses, seek and cement partnerships, and align on a common vision for the future of Pakistan
Nevertheless, the relationship between the diaspora and Pakistan must develop beyond the financial contributions. There is an expanding demand for overseas Pakistanis to be brought in on a policy dialogue, cultural exchange, and innovation driven collaboration. As a part of that effort, the convention aimed at providing a structured platform for such engagement, an opportunity for diaspora members to contribute their expertise, market their businesses, seek and cement partnerships, and align on a common vision for the future of Pakistan.
Overseas Pakistanis would be able to continue to be considered as credible, constructive and inclusive by keeping afloat of the apolitical boat
Actions of overseas Pakistanis, elevating Pakistan’s image abroad, rather than through divisive rhetoric or political partisanship, are best expressions of true patriotism. For the past couple years, political groups have co-opted the voices of diaspora as a tool for polarizing against unity. Thus, it sours the community’s credibility, making it useless as a local force of progressive action for the nation. Overseas Pakistanis would be able to continue to be considered as credible, constructive and inclusive by keeping afloat of the apolitical boat.
A unified progressive diaspora can provide this bridge between Pakistan, the country, and the world, it can engender mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. Increased investment in what few sectors: tourism, education and technology could be used to energise the diaspora towards long term development of the country and can be used to cross the diaspora’s ability to access global best practice to local issues. Furthermore, there are various ways such a convention can led to the institutionalization of diaspora engagement and so the following generations can remain a part of Pakistan’s development story.
Apart from a financial lifeline, the diaspora is filled with strategic importance as it is seen as an asset to guide Pakistan’s course in the 21st century
It is not just another networking, but alarm call for action and the First Annual Overseas Pakistani Convention. Apart from a financial lifeline, the diaspora is filled with strategic importance as it is seen as an asset to guide Pakistan’s course in the 21st century. It is not a tribute to the past contributions but a way to promote oneness, respect, shared values and determination to take the country forward in future partnerships.
It becomes a future made up of Islamabad’s sons and daughters from abroad coming home with their energy and resources fully aligned to Pakistan’s development agenda. It can transform the role of overseas Pakistanis from outside to partners on the shoulder side that can work in building a growth of a stronger connected and prosperous nation.
Disclaimer:Â The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
