ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the newly renovated Consular Services Area at Pakistan’s historic Consulate General in New York. Originally established in 1948, the consular facility has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation aimed at enhancing service delivery for the Pakistani diaspora.
According to the Foreign Office, during his remarks at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, Senator Dar emphasized that the foremost responsibility of Pakistan’s missions abroad is to serve overseas Pakistanis with dignity, efficiency, and the best possible services.
He highlighted the ongoing reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, specifically tailored to address the needs of overseas Pakistanis. These include:
- Establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis
- Video-link testimony recording from foreign missions
- E-filing of legal cases
- Tax and banking facilities for overseas Pakistanis recognized as tax filers
- Reserved quotas for their children in universities and medical colleges
- Facilitation offices in Punjab and Balochistan
- Restoration of Green Channel services at airports
- Introduction of pre-arrival visa categories for 126 countries
Senator Dar praised the Consul General and his team for successfully restoring the historical premises of the consulate while ensuring uninterrupted services to the community.
In his address, Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his presence and guidance and outlined key initiatives undertaken to facilitate the Pakistani community in the U.S. These include:
- Launch of a 24/7 emergency helpline
- Installation of Punjab Land Record kiosk
- Upgraded telephone exchange and call management system
- Launch of the consulate’s new website
- Expanded services via the NADRA desk
- Online power of attorney and appointment systems
- E-Kachehri sessions
- Ongoing social and cultural programs
The inauguration of the upgraded Consular Services Area reaffirms the government’s commitment to delivering the highest quality services to overseas Pakistanis and strengthening their connection with the homeland.
