A Glorious National Gesture
Highlights Diaspora’s Love for Homeland and Pakistan Army’s Gratitude

In the heart of Islamabad, under the glittering lights of the Convention Centre, the Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2025 unfolded as a spectacular testament to the undying bond between Pakistan and its diaspora. More than just a formal event, it became a heartfelt celebration of patriotism, sacrifice, and national pride. The echoes of applause, the emotional speeches, and the symbolic gestures made it a moment of history – one that will be remembered for years to come.

The Purposeful Vision Behind the Convention
The event was orchestrated under the joint leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza. Together, they envisioned not just a gathering – but a bridge: one that connects millions of overseas Pakistanis with their motherland.

The key goals were clear and ambitious:
• To honour the invaluable role of Pakistanis abroad in shaping the country’s economy and image.
• To create direct channels of communication between government institutions and overseas Pakistanis.
• To inspire future investments and community engagement through practical reforms.
• And perhaps most importantly, to give the diaspora a seat at the table of national progress.

A Convention Center Full of Emotion and Unity
Held at the magnificent Islamabad Convention Centre, the event dazzled with its organisation, elegance, and spirit of inclusion. With elaborate visual presentations, multilingual hosts, and an atmosphere steeped in national pride, attendees from around the world felt embraced by the homeland.

One particularly touching moment occurred when Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir delivered part of his speech in fluent Japanese, directing a heartfelt “Arigato Gozaimasu” to a generous donor. The hall erupted in applause – not just for the language, but for the sentiment. It was a reminder that Pakistan’s army chief had once studied in Japan and still held those experiences close to his heart. He spoke warmly about Japanese culture, discipline, and honesty, crediting them as values that helped shape his own leadership style.

A Gift of Life: Five Ambulances from Japan
That moment of gratitude was directed at Chaudhry Asif Mahmood, a prominent Japanese-Pakistani businessman, who donated five brand new Hiace ambulances to the Pakistan Army – a gift worth nearly 140 million PKR. These are not ordinary ambulances; they are equipped with advanced life-saving technology, designed for difficult terrains and emergencies, especially in underserved rural regions.

Speaking to the media, Chaudhry Asif shared that his brother, retired Major General Iftikhar Aamir, served honorably in the Pakistan Army, and that the family’s connection to the military is one of pride and emotion. “This donation,” he said, “is only a small gesture compared to what our soldiers and institutions do for the nation every day.”

Saving Lives with Bandages: A Silent Hero’s Contribution
Another outstanding act of generosity came from Asad Nawaz, a humble yet visionary entrepreneur based in Japan, who donated 2,000 high-efficiency wound-sealing bandages to the Pakistan Army. These special bandages, often used in trauma emergencies, are capable of stopping heavy bleeding within seconds. Medical officers present at the convention confirmed their life-saving potential on the battlefield and in disaster zones.

The Prime Minister and Army Chief both personally thanked Asad Nawaz, highlighting that such support from overseas Pakistanis directly strengthens national preparedness and morale.

Dignitaries and Community Leaders in Attendance
Among the other notable attendees were:
• Malik Noor Awan, President of PML-N Japan, whose dedication to political awareness and community service is widely recognised.
•Shahid Majeed, President of PPP Japan, who has long worked for diplomatic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan.
• Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman OPF, praised for streamlining policies and advocating for land and legal reforms to protect the interests of overseas Pakistanis.
• Syed Muhammad Jameel, a widely respected community figure known for his services to education and welfare in both Pakistan and Japan.

All these personalities carried the flag of unity, each representing a different facet of what it means to love and serve Pakistan from afar.

Saluting Chaudhry Salik Hussain and PM Shehbaz Sharif
The smooth execution and warmth of the convention owed much to Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, who not only supervised arrangements but also ensured that overseas guests felt honoured and heard. His vision for online land record systems, dispute resolution courts, and overseas investment cells is already taking shape.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, called overseas Pakistanis the “real ambassadors of Pakistan” and said, “Your strength is Pakistan’s strength. Your voice is our pride. And your love keeps the soul of Pakistan alive around the world.” His words resonated deeply, especially among those who had flown in from thousands of miles away to attend the convention.

A Moment That Stays with the Heart
One elderly gentleman, Mr. Munir from Nagoya, Japan, who had not visited Pakistan in over 30 years, said with tears in his eyes, “I thought Pakistan had forgotten us. But today, I feel like I never left.”

His sentiment captured the essence of the convention. It wasn’t just about donations, policies, or protocols. It was about recognition, inclusion, and belonging.

Looking Forward: A Promise, Not Just a Program
The Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2025 wasn’t a one-time event. It was the beginning of a long-overdue conversation – one where overseas Pakistanis are no longer just remittance senders, but stakeholders, leaders, and visionaries for Pakistan’s future.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the Pakistan Army, the Government of Pakistan, and countless unsung heroes from the diaspora, the convention has set a precedent. A precedent where every Pakistani, no matter how far, can look at the green and white flag and say with pride: “This is my country, and it remembers me.”