Pakistan has the 6th. largest overseas diaspora in the world. There are an estimated 9 million  Pakistanis living abroad. Overseas Pakistanis are an asset & economic backbone of Pakistan. They are one of the key contributors to the national economy as they are the 2nd. largest source of foreign exchange remittances to Pakistan after exports.  They send annual remittances of approx $30 billion which is more than IMF's loan to Pakistan.

Overseas Pakistanis have always helped Pakistan through thick and thin. They are the first to donate & volunteer for any natural disaster in Pakistan and are continuously brining in investment as well as technology. Some return to serve Pakistan after completing their education abroad. 

However it is unfortunate that till date all governments have failed to mainstream the Overseas Pakistanis. Existing laws & policies of Pakistan and economic conditions directly affect the overseas diaspora thus they need to be part of the policy making process that impacts Pakistan and them.  The Government of Pakistan needs to acknowledge the commitment & contribution of Overseas community by: 

1. making the Oversees Pakistanis a stakeholder in the electoral process & giving them the RIGHT TO VOTE
2. giving the Overseas Pakistanis REPRESENTATION in the NATIONAL & PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES 

This will:

• enable the voice of Overseas Pakistanis to reach the people & the Government;
• encourage the “brains & talent” to contribute positively to the issues & politics of Pakistan;
• give them direct access to political chambers of Pakistan which will increase their confidence in the system resulting in increased investment & remittances.