Khobar, Saudi Arabia:
An important gathering of the Pakistani community was held on Wednesday, 17 in Khobar under the auspices of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), bringing together members of the business community and several well-known Pakistani personalities residing in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Managing Director of OPF, Muhammad Afzaal Bhatti, attended the event as the chief guest. The meeting focused on the concerns, expectations, and challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis, particularly regarding investment opportunities in Pakistan.
During the Pakistan OPF session, Mr. Abdul Saboor Qureshi addressed the gathering and highlighted key issues discouraging overseas Pakistanis from investing in their homeland. He stated that while Pakistanis living abroad are keen and willing to invest in Pakistan, multiple obstacles continue to undermine their confidence.
Mr. Qureshi emphasized that the ease of doing business remains a major concern. He pointed out that widespread corruption and the demand for bribes in various government departments create serious hurdles for investors. He further stressed that security concerns, especially for established business families, are among the most critical issues.
Referring to a recent incident involving Kacha area dacoits, he mentioned the kidnapping of a Pakistani family and the demand for a huge ransom, which has deeply alarmed overseas Pakistanis. “Many Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia feel safer here than in their own country,” he remarked.
Comparing the business environment, Mr. Qureshi said that doing business in Saudi Arabia is far easier and more transparent than in Pakistan. He also raised concerns about difficulties in maintaining bank accounts in Pakistan, as well as excessive questioning and pressure from tax authorities and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He criticized the approach of visiting delegations and ministers from Pakistan, stating that mere visits and verbal assurances are not enough. “We hear promises every time officials visit, but there is little or no implementation on the ground,” he said, urging authorities to focus on concrete actions rather than lip service.
Participants at the meeting echoed similar sentiments and called on the Pakistani government to address these long-standing issues seriously in order to restore the trust of overseas Pakistanis and encourage much-needed foreign investment.
