Senate passes bill to protect overseas Pakistanis’ properties

The Senate has unanimously approved a bill aimed at safeguarding the properties of overseas Pakistanis through the establishment of special courts.

The bill, presented by Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik on Thursday, marks a significant step toward protecting the rights and interests of Pakistanis living abroad.

Debate and concerns raised

PTI Senator Ali Zafar called for the bill to be referred to the relevant committee during the session, expressing concerns that such legislation could lead to the filing of false cases.

He highlighted the need for thorough consideration to prevent misuse of the law.

Senator Ramesh Kumar highlighted the frequent cases of illegal occupation of overseas Pakistanis’ properties, stressing the need for protective measures.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, supporting the bill, underlined its importance in ensuring the security of these citizens’ assets, while acknowledging that false cases remain a separate issue to address.

Additional legislation approved

In addition to the property protection bill, the Senate also passed the Deposit Protection Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2024. This bill, introduced by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, aims to strengthen the financial safety net for depositors, ensuring greater security in Pakistan’s banking sector.

Both pieces of legislation reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing legal protections and financial stability for citizens, particularly those residing abroad.