https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (Alliance News): In a significant development for overseas Pakistanis, the Government of Pakistan has launched a major facilitation initiative aimed at enabling more than 25,000 undocumented Pakistanis residing in Spain to regularise their legal status and become eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship.
The decision follows sustained advocacy by Akhtar Zaheer Ahmed Maher, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation, who formally approached the Government of Pakistan, including Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, and other relevant authorities, urging immediate intervention to address the legal challenges faced by Pakistani nationals living in Spain without documentation.
According to details, the initiative will facilitate the issuance of legal documentation to thousands of undocumented Pakistanis within the next two months, enabling them to regularise their stay and subsequently apply for Spanish citizenship under applicable legal frameworks.
The move is expected to provide long-awaited relief to families who have been living in uncertainty for years due to their undocumented status.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain lauded the efforts of Akhtar Zaheer Ahmed Maher, describing his work for overseas Pakistanis as commendable and highly encouraging.
He noted that individuals like Maher are valuable national assets who work tirelessly to support Pakistani communities abroad and safeguard their rights and dignity.
The minister announced the initiative during a video interaction with senior journalist leadership, including Afzal Butt, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and Nayyar Ali, Secretary of the National Press Club and Secretary of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation.
The discussion focused on key issues faced by overseas Pakistanis and the government’s policy measures to address them.
During the interaction, the journalists congratulated Akhtar Zaheer Ahmed Maher for his persistent efforts and acknowledged that his advocacy played a pivotal role in bringing the issue to the attention of policymakers and securing a positive governmental response.
They also extended congratulations to Pakistani nationals living in Spain and their families, expressing hope that the initiative would bring stability, dignity and new opportunities.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain reaffirmed that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis and improving their access to legal, social and economic opportunities.
He said the facilitation of documentation for Pakistanis in Spain is part of broader efforts to strengthen engagement with diaspora communities and ensure their welfare in host countries.
He further observed that regularising the legal status of undocumented Pakistanis will significantly improve their quality of life and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to both the Spanish and Pakistani economies.
Legal recognition will enable them to access formal employment, education, healthcare and social protection systems, while also facilitating travel and stronger connections with Pakistan.
Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Akhtar Zaheer Ahmed Maher welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as a historic step that addresses a long-standing issue faced by Pakistani migrants in Spain.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would pave the way for similar measures in other countries where Pakistani nationals face documentation challenges.
The Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation reiterated its commitment to continue working with government institutions, diplomatic missions and international partners to support Pakistani communities abroad.
Maher emphasised that the welfare of overseas Pakistanis remains a top priority and called for continued collaboration to resolve issues related to legal status, labour rights and social protection.
He said the initiative would be implemented in close coordination with relevant Spanish authorities to ensure that the documentation process is completed smoothly and within the stipulated timeframe.
He also advised affected individuals to contact Pakistani consulates for legal assistance and guidance throughout the process. Authorities have expressed confidence that the process will be transparent, efficient and beneficial for all eligible applicants.
As Pakistan continues to strengthen engagement with its global diaspora, the decision to facilitate legal status for undocumented Pakistanis in Spain is being regarded as a landmark measure that underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare, protection and empowerment of its citizens living abroad.
New York State Senator Jessica Ramos visited the office of the Overseas Pakistan Global Foundation (OPGF)
It is important to mentioned here, recently, the New York State Senator Jessica Ramos visited the office of the Overseas Pakistan Global Foundation (OPGF) and a local community centre in Jackson Heights, Queens, along with Sheikh Shakil Sahib, where she praised the foundation’s role in serving and uplifting the Pakistani community in the United States.
Senator Ramos appreciated the leadership of OPGF Chairman Zahir Akthar Ahmad Maher for his sustained efforts in community development and humanitarian service.
She acknowledged his role in supporting Pakistani immigrants, strengthening community bonds, and addressing social challenges through welfare initiatives and grassroots engagement.
