In a landmark initiative, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir inaugurated the first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad. The high-profile event brought together over 1,200 expatriates from around the world, along with federal and state ministers, to recognize and honor the contributions of overseas Pakistanis. During his keynote address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a comprehensive welfare package tailored for overseas Pakistanis. General Syed Asim Munir lauded the diaspora as a “brain gain,” emphasizing their pivotal role in Pakistan’s progress. This landmark event marks a renewed commitment to strengthening ties with our global Pakistani community.
Houston Delegation Receives Warm Recognition
A delegation from Houston, Texas, received special recognition at the convention. Among them was Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, a well-known community and social leader, who delivered heartfelt remarks.
He thanked OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza for organizing the event and acknowledged the leadership of PM Shehbaz Sharif and COAS General Munir for finally giving overseas Pakistanis the attention they deserve.
“After over 40 years of representing Pakistan globally, this is the first time I’ve felt such genuine pride. For the first time in my life, I feel that our sacrifices and services have been acknowledged at the national level. This is no ordinary gathering—this is a historic turning point. For too long, overseas Pakistanis have been viewed merely as financial contributors, but this convention shows we are truly being seen as nation-builders,” said Muhammad Saeed Sheikh.
Call to Action: Uniting for Pakistan’s Progress
Mr. Sheikh likened the convention to a ” Mini United Nations session for Pakistan,” uniting voices from across the globe on one platform with one vision: national progress. He encouraged all overseas Pakistanis to return to their countries of residence with a renewed spirit and actively support the economic agenda laid out by the Pakistani leadership.
“Let this not be a one-time event. Let it be the start of a new era—where overseas Pakistanis are not just contributors, but equal stakeholders in the future of Pakistan is ready for investment, trade, and transformation. Let’s become ambassadors of this message and play our part in national development,” he urged.
A High-Profile Dinner and More Connections
To honor the overseas guests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a formal dinner, creating space for deeper conversations, relationship building, and future planning.
Among the Houston attendees were names like Siraj Narsi, Amir Makhani, Amir Zaidi, Zafar Iqbal, Nusrat Laghari, Shahid Hashmi, Jamil Siddique, and Tariq Hameed — individuals who have each made unique contributions to the Pakistani-American community.
The Houston Delegation: A Strong Representation of Pakistani-American Leadership
Houston, home to one of the most dynamic Pakistani-American communities, was prominently represented. Delegates attending the convention are recognized not only for their professional excellence but also for their philanthropic and community service efforts in the United States. Their participation underscored the strength of the Houston diaspora and the deep-rooted bond they continue to share with Pakistan.
