Islamabad, Pakistan: “You should always hold your head high with pride, because you do not belong to any ordinary country, but you are the representative of a great and powerful country”.
This was said by COAS Gen Asim Munir while addressing at concluding session of the first-ever Overseas Pakistanis’ Convention that was attended by hundreds of overseas Pakistanis from around 60 countries and concluded here on Tuesday.
COAS was of the view that Pakistan’s journey of development continues; the question is not when Pakistan has to develop, but the real question is how fast Pakistan has to develop.
The event brought together approximately 500 distinguished members of the Pakistani diaspora from around the globe. It is envisioned as a landmark initiative to positively engage overseas Pakistanis (OSPs), strengthen their connection with the homeland, and explore potential avenues for investment, collaboration, and long-term economic partnerships.
The Government of Pakistan provided free boarding and lodging from 13-16 April 2025, free transportation from Islamabad International Airport to the hotel, however, delegates were responsible for their own international return airfare.
Addressing the Convention, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir stated that Pakistanis living abroad love their homeland and that they are the ambassadors of Pakistan in their respective countries of stay.
“Those who create the narrative of brain drain should know that this is not brain drain but brain gain, and overseas Pakistanis are the best example of it, maintained Army Chief Gen Asim Munir.
He was of the view that overseas Pakistanis have the responsibility of telling the story of independence of Pakistan to their next generation, to tell them that this motherland is a result of millions of sacrifices.
“Do the enemies of Pakistan think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?, Even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan. As Muslims and Pakistanis, we do not fear adverse situations; we have never bowed down in the face of difficulties and difficulties, nor will we bow down. As long as the brave people of this country stand with the Pakistan Armed Forces, no harm can befall Pakistan. The nation respects its martyrs with utmost admiration, and I see it with dignity. Their sacrifice is eternal, and we will never let it be forgotten. We want to take Pakistan to the place that Quaid-e-Azam had dreamed of,” commented the Army Chief.
COAS said that Balochistan is the destiny of Pakistan and the crown of our forehead, and Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with immense resources for which we should always be grateful. “Today we are giving this clear message together, “Whatever stands in the way of Pakistan’s progress, we will remove that obstacle together”, commented COAS Gen Asim Munir.
Addressing the overseas Pakistanis, the Army Chief said, “Remember that your legacy is from a high society, ideology and civilization in whichever country you are in.”
Addressing the event, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif said that overseas Pakistanis are our ambassadors around the world, bring their capital to Pakistan, and the Pakistani armed forces should expose those who are propagandizing against the country. H said that he salutes the participation of overseas Pakistanis in the convention; the overseas Pakistanis love the country immensely.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s defense is in safe hands, Army Chief General Asim Munir is a true Pakistani and a great professional, and no one can look at Pakistan with a dirty eye.
He said that more than one crore Pakistanis are settled in different parts of the world, who have earned their name by working hard day and night, the overseas Pakistanis are the crown of our heads.
Shahbaz Sharif said that whatever is showered on overseas Pakistanis is also less, we will award 15 overseas Pakistanis with civil awards every year.
He said that terrorism was eradicated from the country in 2018, but then terrorists were brought and settled in the country. We know who supports these terrorists and who funds them.
