Increased remittances depict Overseas Pakistanis’ confidence: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the Overseas Pakistanis as the country’s precious asset and said the increasing numbers of foreign remittances depicted their confidence in the government’s policies.

Presiding over a review meeting for the ease of Overseas Pakistanis in sending remittances under the priority sectors and their further facilitation, the prime minister directed to ensure the completion of work related to the measures within the stipulated time, adding that after formulating a strategy for strict monitoring of the plan, a portal should also be made part of it to redress complaints.

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Special Assistant Dr Shehbaz Gill, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Reza Baqir, National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik and senior officials were in attendance.

The meeting was informed that the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan were working on a comprehensive package for the overseas Pakistanis, which not only included financial incentives and rewards in proportion to the remittances but the opening of beneficiary accounts and instant transfer of amounts were also being ensured. For the system, a digital application was also in the preparation stages.

The meeting was also apprised that nine national institutions have been engaged for the provision of incentives ranging from the travelling facilities to the preparation of identity documents, purchase of essential items, payment of tax and relaxation in insurance and children’s educational expenditures.

After the completion of work by early next month, the programme will be formally launched.