Islamabad: (Parliament Times) The Chairman OPF Board of Governors, Barrister Amjad applauded the newly designated Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Vice Admiral (Retd) Khan Hasham Bin Sidddique for his new assignment and welcomed his appointment as Ambassador. The Chairman said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif considers overseas Pakistanis as an asset for the country and provision of maximum facilities to Pakistani expatriates is the top most priority of the present government.
The Chairman expressed these views while talking to designated Ambassador to Saudi Arabia who called on him at his office at OPF Head Office at Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, G-5/2, Islamabad. Both the dignitaries vowed to work together to provide assistance and to resolve issues and problems being faced by Pakistani expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia. The Chairman briefed the designated Ambassador his recent visit of Saudi Arabia along with Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also shared recommendations and report of the visit duly approved by OPF Board of Governors in its 138 meeting.
The Chairman assured the designated Ambassador full cooperation of OPF to provide assistance to detained Pakistani workers and to contribute image of Pakistan besides seeking investment for Pakistan. The Chairman said that Saudi Arabia is still the preferred destination for Pakistani workers due to heavy demand and we will contribute to effect the contractual agreement to ease the sufferings of Pakistani workers.
The Chairman briefed the designated Ambassador about the desire of OPF Board of Governors to set up OPF School at overseas to accommodate children of Pakistani expatriates. He informed that OPF has approved Rs. 100 million for scholarships for children of overseas Pakistanis besides granting approval of Rs. 30 million for internship program for children of Pakistani expatriates.
The matters pertaining to NADRA registration fee, issuance of NICOP, starting of NADRA Mobile Surgeries in remote areas of Saudi Arabia and need of appointing law and language knowing Legal Counselor were also came under discussion.
