The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) is preparing a series of initiatives aimed at supporting millions of Pakistanis living abroad, with a strong focus on safeguarding their investments and improving access to services.
Speaking in an interview, OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza said the foundation is working on plans to take a more active role in real estate investments made by overseas Pakistanis. He noted that many expatriates face difficulties when investing in property back home, often due to a lack of transparency and unreliable project delivery.
To address these concerns, the OPF is conducting due diligence on housing societies that have obtained No Objection Certificates (NoCs) and possess adequate land. Raza said the foundation intends to recommend selected projects to overseas investors, offering assurance that their investments will be protected and completed as promised.
“There are many challenges that overseas Pakistanis face when investing in the country,” he said, adding that OPF aims to build trust by standing behind approved developments.
The move comes as Pakistan continues to rely heavily on its diaspora, which numbers around 13 million people worldwide, including about 2.2 million in the United Arab Emirates. Overseas Pakistanis play a key role in strengthening the country’s economy through remittances, which reached a record $38.3 billion in the 2024–25 fiscal year. Officials expect inflows to rise further, potentially reaching between $41 billion and $42 billion.
According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, remittances grew by 10.5 percent between July 2025 and February 2026, totaling $26.5 billion compared to $24 billion during the same period a year earlier. In February alone, inflows stood at $3.3 billion, with the largest contributions coming from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Alongside investment protection, the OPF is considering additional measures to support expatriates. Raza said the foundation has proposed taking responsibility for repatriating the bodies of Pakistanis who pass away abroad, easing a significant burden on their families.
He also revealed plans to introduce mandatory OPF membership for overseas Pakistanis at a fee of Rs10,000 for five years. The proposal is part of broader reforms designed to expand services and improve engagement with the diaspora.
The foundation has already partnered with diagnostic centers to offer discounts of up to 30 percent on medical services. Agreements with hotels across Pakistan will provide overseas visitors with discounts of up to 40 percent, aimed at improving their experience during visits home.
Raza also highlighted the need for establishing an OPF bank to streamline remittance flows and provide tailored financial services.
He said the foundation remains attentive to regional developments and stands ready to assist Pakistanis abroad during times of uncertainty. He added that continued engagement with diaspora communities is vital, noting that their contributions are central to addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges.
