On October 30, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) Bill 2024 into law, a major milestone for the rights of overseas Pakistanis. Alongside this, he also approved the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024, aimed at safeguarding Pakistani citizens' financial interests, particularly for those living abroad.
Specialized Courts for Overseas Property Disputes
The Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) Bill 2024 establishes dedicated courts to resolve property disputes faced by Pakistanis living abroad. The new courts will ensure that cases are settled within 90 days of filing, addressing long-standing delays that have impacted the Pakistani diaspora. Additionally, an online complaint filing system will be introduced, making it easier for overseas Pakistanis to file and track their cases from anywhere in the world.
Senate Support and Importance for the Pakistani Diaspora
Senate members have praised this bill as a landmark for protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis. Senator Irfan Siddiqui underscored the importance of these legal reforms, highlighting the diaspora’s contributions to Pakistan, particularly through USD 3 billion in monthly remittances. The bill is expected to build stronger ties with overseas Pakistanis by providing them with quicker, more accessible legal recourse for property issues, ultimately strengthening their bond with Pakistan.
This progressive legislation reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of Pakistanis abroad, ensuring their investments and assets are safeguarded under an efficient and responsive legal system.
