The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has proposed a new policy to make its membership mandatory for all Pakistanis living abroad. The move is aimed at strengthening institutional support for overseas communities and improving service delivery.
Under the proposal, a membership fee of Rs10,000 has been suggested for a five-year period. OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza stated that mandatory membership would allow the foundation to expand its financial base and enhance the range of facilities offered to overseas Pakistanis.
He explained that with greater resources, the foundation would be able to address the issues faced by expatriates more effectively. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has already approved the proposal, and it has been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval.
The OPF is a non-profit organization that works to support Pakistanis living abroad. Officials say the proposed policy could benefit more than 12 million overseas Pakistanis by introducing improved services and welfare initiatives.
The plan is expected to cover Pakistanis residing in the Gulf region, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. Authorities believe that a unified membership system will help streamline communication and service delivery.
Overseas Pakistanis remain a key pillar of the national economy. Through remittances and investments, they contribute significantly to economic stability. In the last fiscal year, remittances reached a record level of $38.3 billion, and projections suggest the figure could rise to between $41 billion and $42 billion this year.
According to central bank data, remittances increased by over 10 percent during the first eight months of the current fiscal year. Monthly inflows have also shown steady growth, reflecting continued confidence from expatriates.
In February 2026, remittances stood at $3.3 billion, showing a year-on-year increase. The highest contributions came from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States.
Officials also highlighted the large Pakistani workforce abroad, particularly in the Gulf region. The United Arab Emirates alone hosts more than two million Pakistanis working in various sectors.
Meanwhile, OPF leadership continues to engage with overseas communities. Syed Qamar Raza has been visiting different countries, including Germany, South Korea, and Japan, to understand the challenges faced by expatriates and gather feedback.
