Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on enhanced consular services for overseas Pakistanis.
- The meeting covered digitisation initiatives, including document attestation and foreign payments.
- QR codes were introduced to simplify processes such as power of attorney and property transactions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on the progress of enhanced consular services for overseas Pakistanis during a meeting in Islamabad. The briefing, chaired by the Prime Minister, included updates from officials from various ministries and departments.
The meeting focused on digitisation initiatives aimed at improving services provided to overseas Pakistanis. These include the digitisation of document attestation processes, simplification of complaints mechanisms, and introduction of digital systems for foreign payments.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz welcomed these digitisation efforts, stating that 'overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset, and providing them with all kinds of facilities is the government’s top priority.'
The briefing highlighted several ongoing reforms. A QR code-based system has been introduced to simplify processes such as power of attorney procedures, property purchase and sale transactions, and document attestation for Pakistanis living abroad.
PM Shehbaz directed authorities to prominently display these QR codes at Pakistani embassies and missions to improve public access. He also instructed the launch of a special awareness campaign to ensure greater use of the QR code system by overseas Pakistanis.
The meeting was informed that an evening shift has recently been launched at the Foreign Office in Islamabad to facilitate citizens, and document attestation services have been introduced at the Asaan Khidmat Centre. The system is also integrated with databases from various government agencies, making the process faster and more efficient.
Additionally, work is progressing on fully digitising the entire document attestation system. A mobile application is being developed to digitally attest documents such as birth and death certificates, marriage registration certificates, family registration certificates, and other official documents.
The PMO statement also mentioned that an Apostille system has been implemented, converting the attestation process into a one-step procedure. This reduces the process to the issuance of one authentication certificate by the designated authority in the country where the document was issued.
The prime minister's directives aim to streamline and improve services for overseas Pakistanis, ensuring they have access to all necessary facilities and support.
'Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset, and providing them with every possible facility is the government’s top priority.'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
