ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has emphasised to Pakistanis living abroad that “national interests” should take precedence over political connections.

The minister was speaking to members of the Pakistani community and other notables from various political parties at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC.

According to a statement made on Saturday, Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan and community leader Sajid Tarar were also present.

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According to the law minister, overseas Pakistanis are the country’s most valuable asset, having not only improved the country’s prestige abroad but also always responded in difficult times.

Tarar stated that, regrettably, many individuals with vested interests had started ludicrous misinformation about Pakistan and the government abroad in order to sow discord among the overseas Pakistani community. He went on to say that these groups were inciting abroad Pakistanis to approach foreign governments and parliamentarians in support of their country.

“The overseas Pakistanis have been our identity, with whom we have long-standing relationships.” They are Pakistan’s true identity. So it is our common responsibility to maintain the country’s esteem,” the minister was quoted as saying in the release.

The law minister stated that the prime minister and members of his cabinet shared common feelings for Pakistanis living abroad and thanked them for their service.

The minister acknowledged that abroad Pakistanis have the right to participate in the political process, but cautioned that any hurried moves in this area could be detrimental to democracy and the democratic process.

He stated that many options for granting abroad Pakistanis the right to vote were being considered, and that agreement among all political parties in this respect would be beneficial in developing a better approach.

During his tour, the minister also met with members of Congress, State Department officials, and representatives from the US media.