Islamabad: In a significant legislative move, President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law the Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) Bill 2024 and the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill 2024, aimed at enhancing legal protections for Pakistani citizens living abroad. These new laws are particularly focused on safeguarding the property rights of overseas Pakistanis, a group that significantly contributes to the country’s economy through remittances.

According to Zameen.Com, the newly approved Special Court (Overseas Pakistani Property) Bill establishes dedicated courts for handling property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis. These courts are tasked with resolving cases within a 90-day timeframe, providing a swift justice process long sought by expatriates. The legislation also introduces an online system for filing complaints, making legal services more accessible to Pakistanis abroad.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui highlighted the importance of the diaspora, noting their substantial monthly remittances which reach around USD 3 billion. He described the legislation as a historic step toward recognizing and protecting the significant contributions of overseas Pakistanis. The new legal framework is expected to strengthen the connection between the Pakistani diaspora and their homeland by ensuring their property rights are handled efficiently and justly.