Pakistan Unveils Digital Initiatives for Diaspora in the UK

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Pakistan has launched two major digital initiatives at its High Commission in London to simplify property and passport services for the country's diaspora in the United Kingdom. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a ceremony, inaugurated the 'Provision of Land Record Services' and the 'One Window Passport Processing System.' These initiatives are a fulfillment of a promise made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention held in April.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 'Provision of Land Record Services' platform, developed by the Punjab Land Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allows British Pakistanis to remotely access and manage property records in Punjab through online services such as sale deeds, Fard (Record of Rights), e-Girdawari, mutation entries, and document attestation secured via blockchain technology.
  • The One Window Passport Processing System, launched by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, significantly reduces application processing time to around 10 minutes by consolidating multiple steps into a single counter, aiming to reduce congestion, improve transparency, and offer a more convenient experience for passport applicants.
  • A dedicated desk at the High Commission will manage the pilot phase of the 'Provision of Land Record Services' project, with plans for expansion to other Pakistani consulates across the UK.
  • The digital advancements are expected to safeguard the rights of the diaspora community and foster investment, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar praising the collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Punjab Land Revenue Authority, NADRA, and the Pakistan High Commission in London for their efforts in implementing these initiatives.
  • The One Window Passport Processing System will offer a more efficient and transparent process for passport applicants, reducing the burden on officials and improving the overall experience.

Statistics:

  • 10 minutes: Reduced application processing time through the one-window passport processing system
  • Online services: Sold deeds, Fard (Record of Rights), e-Girdawari, mutation entries, and document attestation through blockchain technology
  • Pilot phase: Managed by a dedicated desk at the High Commission, with plans for expansion to other Pakistani consulates across the UK
  • Overseas Pakistanis Convention: Held in April, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a promise to launch these digital initiatives

Sources:

  • Pakistan Today
  • Dawn News Agency
  • The Express Tribune