Ministry considers Overseas Pakistanis’ property protection bill

Islamabad: A new bill that will address the problems of expatriates with regard to their properties has been proposed by the Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development as part of an initiative to protect the properties of Overseas Pakistanis, according to news reported on March 29.

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According to a document released by the ministry, about 9 million Pakistanis live and work in various nations throughout the world and contribute to the socioeconomic development of their own nation. The lack of a direct channel for providing remedies to secure their properties was emphasized.
An earlier proposal was presented to the Cabinet Division about the creation of Special Courts for Overseas Pakistanis by an Ordinance or Act of Parliament. The establishment of Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis Property), Act/Ordinance 2022 was reviewed by the Cabinet Division and approved. The ordinance, however, has not been published in accordance with Article 89 of the Constitution.

Through the Law & Justice Division, the ministry has once more forwarded the Prime Minister the plan summary. According to reports, the Prime Minister’s office met with representatives from the HRD and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and instructed them to consult with all interested parties.
These instructions have been followed, and the summary has been distributed to the following departments: the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication; the Islamabad High Court; the Office of the Chief Commissioner ICT; the Law & Justice Division; the Finance Division; the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF); the Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab; and the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The measure will once again be routed for processing of the ordinance when the departments submit their reviews.