Punjab governor listens to concerns of Pakistani expats in Dubai

Nearly 100 expatriates gathered to meet Pakistani Punjab's governor at the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai on Friday.
Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar interacted with the expats who turned up hoping to resolve their issues.
"People still don't believe us when we say your problems will be solved in three months, but it is the truth. We are honoured to be helping overseas Pakistanis who contribute so much to our country," said Sarwar.
"The mission of Punjab governor's visit is to listen to the complaints of overseas Pakistanis and show how the Punjab government is taking measures to help them," said Ahmed Amjad Ali, Consul-General of Pakistan in Dubai.
"The consulate receives many expats who seek assistance, however, most of their problems require a stronger look from the Pakistani Government, especially the judiciary department.
"One problem is land grabbing. Other problems include prisoner fines, debt compensation, insurance, security to name a few. There are also education problems. There is a quota for overseas Pakistanis (for education), but that quota is usually never followed."
Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan, Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, advised the Pakistan Consul-General to fix one day every week to listen to the issues of Pakistani expats. Ali responded that he spends several hours each week interacting and resolving the problems of expats, including on social media.
Possibility of new building for Pakistan Consulate in Dubai
Pakistan's Punjab government will work on "priority basis" to replace or renovate the Pakistan Consulate Dubai's building as it is "completely falling apart", said Sarwar. "I will speak to the foreign minister on how something can be done about the Pakistan Consulate building in Dubai. I've been told by the consul-general that the building is falling apart."
The current Pakistan Consulate Dubai building in Bur Dubai has been standing for over a decade and many expats often complain about the old structure and the lack of proper access.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com