ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has established 24 educational institutions throughout Pakistan including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) where the children of Overseas Pakistanis have the first right of admission, the National Assembly was informed.
In a written reply, the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) told that in all OPF educational institutions, 50% concession in tuition fee is allowed up to four children of Overseas Pakistanis, subject to completion of required formalities.
The minister said that an amount of Rs 102 million is being borne on account of concession to Overseas Pakistanis children.
Apprising the House about steps being taken to resolve the issues of Overseas Pakistanis especially in education, the minister told the following measures;
- Efforts are being made for the enhancement of quota for children of Overseas Pakistanis in professional Colleges/Universities in the Country. Previously, 398 seats were reserved for admissions of children of Overseas Pakistanis in different Educational Institutions which has now been increased to 530 seats.
- To further facilitate the children of Overseas Pakistanis, the Overseas Pakistanis Education Fund (OPEF) has been launched for children studying at Intermediate, Graduation & Master levels. An amount of Rs 30 million for award of scholarship has been allocated in the budget.
- A University/Degree Awarding Institute for children of Overseas Pakistanis in Sector F-11 Islamabad is being established which shall be up and running by June 2020
- E-learning Program (online lectures) in OPF Educational Institutions has been started. Currently, E-learning facility has been extended to seven OPF Schools. Further, extension of E-learning facility to Saudi Arabia is in process.
Furthermore, the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development told that the mandate of OPF is to provide welfare services (housing schemes, schools & hospitals etc) to Overseas Pakistanis and their families back home.
The minister said that the OP&HRD ministry is mandated to regulate emigration process and look after Overseas Pakistani workers under Emigration Ordinance, 1979 and Rules.
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