Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, inaugurated the renovated Consular Services Area at the historic Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, established in 1948, on 24 September 2025. The upgrade to the Consulate New York premises was completed while ensuring uninterrupted services for the local Pakistani community.
In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s missions abroad must serve overseas Pakistanis with dignity and efficiency. He outlined government reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, including establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis, recording of evidence via video link from Missions, e-filing of cases, facilitation in taxation and banking by treating overseas Pakistanis as filers, reserved university and medical college quotas for their children, new facilitation offices in Punjab and Balochistan, revival of the Green Channel facility at airports, and introduction of the Visa Prior to Arrival category for 126 countries.
Senator Ishaq Dar praised the Consulate team for completing the rehabilitation work while maintaining services, and Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his visit and guidance. The Consulate outlined several initiatives to enhance community facilitation, including a 24-hour emergency helpline, a Punjab Land Record kiosk, an upgraded telephone exchange and call management system, a new Consulate website, a NADRA Desk, adoption of the Online Power of Attorney, an online appointment system, regular E-Kachehris and community town halls, and active cultural and economic outreach to serve Pakistanis in the New York area.
The inauguration of the renovated Consular Services Area underscores the Government’s commitment to continue improving consular services and support for overseas Pakistanis, reinforcing the role of the Consulate New York in delivering accessible and efficient assistance to its community abroad.
