DPM Inaugurates Renovated Consular Services Area in New York

New york: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the renovated consular services area at the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York. The historic Consulate General, established in 1948, was the site of the event.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the responsibility of Pakistan’s Missions abroad to serve overseas Pakistanis with dignity and efficiency. He highlighted the reforms under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which include the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis, video link evidence recording, e-filing of cases, and facilitation in taxation and banking. Additional reforms mentioned included reserved university quotas for overseas Pakistanis’ children, facilitation offices in Punjab and Balochistan, the revival of the Green Channel facility at airports, and the introduction of the Visa Prior to Arrival category for 126 countries.

Senator Ishaq Dar praised the Consul General and his team for completing the rehabilitation of the Consulate’s historic premises while maintaining services to the community. Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai expressed gratitude for the Deputy Prime Minister’s guidance and detailed the Consulate’s initiatives for community facilitation, such as a 24-hour emergency helpline, a Punjab Land Record kiosk, and an upgraded telephone exchange system. Other initiatives include a new Consulate website, NADRA Desk facilitation, an Online Power of Attorney system, an online appointment system, regular E-Kachehris and town halls, and active cultural and economic outreach.

The inauguration of the renovated consular services area underscores the Government’s commitment to providing the best possible services to its community abroad.