ISLAMABAD: Terming overseas Pakistanis the country’s “best asset”, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday called for a change of mindset to facilitate millions of nationals living abroad.

“We need to review our approach and behaviour in dealing with our Pakistani [brothers] abroad,” the minister said while speaking at the launching ceremony of the Foreign Minister’s Portal.

Mr Qureshi said around nine million Pakistanis lived abroad, noting that “they remit money to the country more than that of our exports”. He added it would be sad for the country if its people living abroad “don’t feel [they’re] welcome”.

He urged Pakistan’s ambassadors in different countries to regain the “lost touch” with the younger generation to achieve foreign policy objectives and improve the country’s image.

“Ambassadors have a responsibility to lobby for the country. You can find many skilled, well-connected and influential people. They have their own professional expertise. Why don’t we use them to lobby for Pakistan and to improve the country’s image.”

Mr Qureshi advised the embassies to regain the “lost touch” with overseas Pakistanis, especially the young. “We have to effectively utilise this excellent diaspora to improve Pakistan’s image and achieve our foreign policy objectives.”

In his address, Mr Qureshi said it was expected of envoys to improve their behaviour with overseas Pakistanis and “focus on resolving their complaints”.

The minister said he knew that resources were limited, adding that “we can still improve our access and outreach through technology”.

He said it was among the government’s top priorities to gain access to all Pakistanis, including successful businessmen, bankers and lawyers living abroad.

“Ambassadors often arrange our meetings with the people. But there are millions who are left out. We have to effectively utilise them,” remarked the minister.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Qureshi received a telephone call from his Australian counterpart, Marise Payne, on Monday.

He discussed with her the issue of Pakistani students enrolled in Australian universities who have not been able to travel to Australia due to Covid-19 restrictions.

He sought Ms Payne’s cooperation to facilitate their early return. The two foreign ministers discussed a whole range of bilateral issues and regional cooperation.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2021