Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the significant contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the country’s development, highlighting that their unwavering commitment led to a 30% increase in foreign remittances.
While speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Convention in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized the vital role of expatriates in the national economy. He mentioned that these workers’ hard work and dedication were earning them widespread recognition.
Recent data from the State Bank of Pakistan revealed that remittances in December amounted to $3.1 billion, marking a 29.3% increase from the same month last year. Additionally, the cumulative remittances for the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25 reached $17.8 billion, showing a 32.8% rise compared to the previous year’s $13.4 billion.
During the convention, the Prime Minister also announced the immediate restoration of the Green Channel for expatriates to ease their procedures, affirming his government’s commitment to addressing their concerns. Moreover, he declared that prominent expatriates would be appointed as ambassadors at large and provided official blue passports.
Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation, Zahir Akhtar, expressed the community’s full support for the government and armed forces, emphasizing their dedication to the security and prosperity of Pakistan. The expatriates also thanked the Prime Minister for inviting them to the Prime Minister’s House.
