Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
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An Important public question & the answer from Consul General of Pakistan
Dear Mr. Zafar Hussain, Editor In Chief
of Sada-e-Watan Sydney
I wish to bring your and community’s attention to a matter that is out of my
understanding. I recently applied for NICOP through Pakistan High Commission.
The fee charged was AU$30 whereas NADRA requires US$15 only. With the conversion
rate of Australian dollar at $0.92 currently and above $0.80 for the last few
months, I don’t’ see any justification in charging $30 by the High Commission.
Can someone at the High Commission or Consulate explain through Sada-e-Watan
that why there is such a difference and where is that money going? Is NADRA
charging extra in Australia? or High Commission decided to earn foreign exchange
for Government of Pakistan? Certainly, here are a few issues to be answered.
Thank you for assistance.
Best Regards,
IMRAN AMJAD
Regional Office Manager
Future Plus Finance Services Australia
Email received from the Consul General of Pakistan
Dear Zafar Hussain Sahib,
NADRA fixes its rate in US$ and in other currencies. The exchange rate of market
day to day rate is not taken but is fixed.
Thus, one is free to pay US$ 15. For payment in Australian Dollar, conversion of
US$ to A$ is not done on market rates but on rates that was fixed for US$-A$.
This rate is to be reviewed. Mr. Tanveer Khaskheli ,the Deputy High Commissioner
is concerned about this as with appreciation of A$ , this rate is high and I
remember him telling me last week ago that he is going to recommend revision in
exchange rate for US$ and A$. Mr. Imran’s apprehension that where this money
goes is misplaced as it goes to NADRA whether he pays in A$ or US$.
BEST REGARDS,
AZAM MOHAMMED
Consul General of Pakistan Sydney
