(APP): Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis , Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar on Monday said his Ministry has enhanced annual target for remittances from Overseas Pakistanis to dollars 15 Billion.

For this purpose , he said, the Ministry is working on a new legislation package for Overseas Pakistanis to build their confidence and mobilize them to invest their maximum funds in Pakistan for their own benefit , and for good of the people and of their country.

Through this legislation , the Overseas Pakistanis would be ensured the sense of participation in the affairs of the country including the democratic process , the Minister said while speaking at the ceremony of a book ‘Marhaba Musafir’ at local hotel and during media chat there. The ceremony was arranged by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Western Union
President KCCI Anjum Nisar, senior businessman Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Leader of Business Group in KCCI and former president KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, Executive Vice President of Habib Bank Limited and former provincial minister Shujaat Ali Baig , Chairperson KCCI Committee on Women entrepreneurs , Ms Durre Shahwar were present in the program besides a large number of businessmen.
Dr. Farooq Sattar said that along with a team of senior officers of his Ministry he is scheduled to meet Governor State Bank Salim Raza on April 06 , 2009 to discus the issues of banking and communication relating to Overseas Pakistanis.
He said he had demanded the portfolio of Overseas Pakistanis   as a challenge to make this Ministry a major player in strengthening economy of the country through more jobs for Pakistanis aimed at very high remittances.
“Government’s policies for Overseas Pakistanis need reforms to make these practical and target oriented,” he said.
He emphasized the need for the best use of available technology and that the people should unite and play proactive rote in development and prosperity of the country.
“Change is name of the game. We all would have to deliver,” he said.
The Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis paid tribute to Lahorities for showing high spirit during battle with terrorists at Police Training Centre.
Every Pakistani should play effective role against terrorism and fight for peace.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has always been advocating and working for national unity, he said.
When his attention was drawn to power crisis in the city, Dr Farooq Sattar , who is MQM’s senior leader and MNA from Karachi , regretted that KESC management under privatisation deal with the Government of Pakistan had committed to make huge investment in the utility to strengthen its generation and transmission system, but there seems to improvement.
He also regretted that the reported fast running meters of KESC have not been removed that the consumers were still to have to pay very high bills. The Regulatory authorities like NEPRA, OGRA should take care of the consumers.
Earlier, President KCCI Anjum Nisar and Leader of BMG Group of Businessmen and former president KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli spoke of various problems and irritants facing the industry and trade in Karachi.