PM to continue remittance scheme for overseas Pakistanis amid record inflows

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to continue Pakistan’s facilitation scheme aimed at encouraging overseas Pakistanis to send remittances through formal channels, the Prime Minister’s Office said Saturday.

According to the official statement, the prime minister directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately release funds on a priority basis under the Workers’ Remittances Incentive Scheme.

“Overseas Pakistanis are a vital asset and strength of the country,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz. “The hard-earned remittances sent by them play a significant role in Pakistan’s development — a contribution valued by the entire nation, including myself.”

The premier highlighted that in the fiscal year 2025, overseas Pakistanis sent a record-high $38.3 billion in remittances. He noted this was instrumental in securing a current account surplus — Pakistan’s first in 14 years — and helped meet the import bill while boosting foreign exchange reserves.

Shehbaz Sharif also emphasised that contributions come from all sectors of the diaspora — from labourers to business professionals — and underscored the need to remove barriers to remittance flows.

“Efforts are ongoing to make the remittance system more efficient, effective, and user-friendly for our hardworking overseas community,” he added.

The incentive scheme aims to channel more remittances through formal banking channels, a crucial factor for Pakistan’s economic stability.