Islamabad, October 13 – A historic agreement was signed between the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and the United Insurance Company of Pakistan (UIC) to ensure financial security and welfare for overseas Pakistanis and their families. The agreement reflects Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s vision of good governance, public service, and transparency by providing institutional protection and support to Pakistanis living abroad.
The signing ceremony in Islamabad was attended by OPF Managing Director Muhammad Afzal Bhatti, UIG Group Chairman and UIC Chief Executive Mian Muhammad Akram Shahid, along with senior officials from both organizations.
Speaking on the occasion, Afzal Bhatti said the initiative aims to provide financial protection to overseas Pakistanis and their families in cases of accidents, deaths, or emergencies. He noted that this project continues OPF’s ongoing welfare programs under the government’s policy of prioritizing public service and transparency.
Mian Muhammad Akram Shahid said the company has developed a comprehensive, low-cost, and transparent insurance plan tailored to the needs of overseas Pakistanis. He emphasized that the plan was designed through a competitive and consultative process involving all key stakeholders to build a reliable and sustainable system.
He added that the agreement is a practical manifestation of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s vision, who has consistently placed the welfare of the working class, particularly overseas Pakistanis, among the government’s top priorities.
Initially, the scheme will be introduced for Pakistanis working in Gulf countries, with later expansion to other regions. The insurance will cover life, health, and emergency repatriation costs for expatriate workers.
Labor unions welcomed the initiative, noting that if implemented transparently, it could benefit hundreds of thousands of working families. They also suggested forming a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure continued transparency and trust in the program’s implementation.
The ceremony was attended by OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza, Uzma Hayat, Yasir Abbasi, and Mustafa Haider, along with UIC officials, including Ehsan-ul-Haq, Country Head Dr. Murtaza Mughal, Kashif Shafiq, and Malik Azhar.
According to recent figures, over 10 million Pakistanis are employed abroad, sending more than $38 billion in remittances annually. This initiative will not only enhance the welfare and protection of these workers but also contribute significantly to strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
