ISLAMABAD: According to a press release, Muhammad Usman Siddiqui, a Briton of Pakistani origin and Vice President of Pakistan-UK Trade Forum, has drawn attention to the widespread issue of land grabbing faced by overseas Pakistanis.
Addressing a press conference along with fellow officials Rauf Raja, Vice President Ayesha Khan and Muhammad Nawaz Basra, Siddiqui urged the authorities to take strict disciplinary action against encroachments as per law. He also demanded justice in his case, demanding cancellation of the trumped-up legal proceedings initiated against him.
Responding to a question, Siddiqui highlighted the various challenges hindering foreign investment in Pakistan. Harassment of overseas Pakistanis through exploitative local practices and legal entanglements are major obstacles, he pointed out. He said that overseas Pakistanis who wish to invest in their homeland face constant harassment and legal threats from influential people.
Siddiqui, who is visiting Pakistan to participate in Ideas 2024 at the invitation of the Pakistan government, alleged that his ancestral land in village Gujriyan (Khasra No. 129) is being illegally occupied by an influential person. He said that despite the injunction of the court, the accused have openly violated it by establishing illegal encroachment on the property.
He further alleged that on November 13, 2024, his property was forcibly occupied with considerable damage to security wires and CCTV cameras and the matter was brought to the notice of the SSP, AJK, Kotli. is
He appealed to the authorities to intervene decisively and ensure justice for overseas Pakistanis, who are sending remittances to the country. And are an important source of investment.