ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday pledged to provide maximum facilities to overseas Pakistanis, recognizing their contribution to the national economy and highlighting that remittances had increased by 30 percent due to their hard work and commitment.
Remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy, playing a critical role in stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and supporting balance of payments.
The country’s central bank last month reported $3.1 billion in remittance inflows for December 2024, reflecting a 29.3 percent year-on-year growth.
The State Bank of Pakistan also noted a 5.6 percent increase in remittances compared to November 2024, highlighting the importance of expatriate earnings in shoring up the nation’s finances.
“We will make every effort to resolve your issues and ensure that your voice is heard at the highest level,” the prime minister said while addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Convention, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
“Your efforts have greatly benefited the national exchequer, bolstering the country’s reserves and reinforcing our economic standing,” he continued while mentioning 30 percent remittance increase in December.
Sharif directed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to restore the Green Channel initiative to facilitate expatriates and announced the formation of a body to recognize distinguished diaspora members contributing to national development.
He also commended Pakistanis living abroad who, after gaining top-tier training, have returned to help drive economic growth as experts, investors and entrepreneurs.
“Many of you have returned home with valuable expertise, and your continued investments in the country’s economy are vital to our future,” he added.
Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances
https://arab.news/yx7q8
Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances
- PM promises to resolve issues of overseas Pakistanis and let their voices be heard at the highest level
- He praises Pakistanis who return home with valuable expertise, saying their training helps drive economy
Pakistan to introduce new navigation system to cut flight delays at Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral
- Pakistan Airports Authority says satellite-guided RNP-AR procedures will be in place by June 2026, pending a feasibility study
- The system is expected to reduce weather-related delays and cancelations in Pakistan’s most popular mountain destinations
KARACHI: Pakistan said on Sunday it would introduce a new satellite-guided navigation system for flights to Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral by June 2026, aiming to curb chronic weather-related delays and cancelations at the three remote northern airports.
The destinations are among Pakistan’s most visited tourist sites and serve as gateways to the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. Gilgit-Baltistan, which borders China, also holds strategic significance as part of the northern corridor linking the two neighbors.
Marking International Civil Aviation Day, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said it was accelerating aviation-sector upgrades, including the rollout of Required Navigation Performance – Authorization Required (RNP-AR) procedures.
RNP-AR is a high-precision, satellite-based approach system that enables aircraft to fly accurate, terrain-avoiding paths in low visibility, reducing weather-related disruptions at mountain airports.
“Pakistan Airports Authority is rapidly working on major projects for safe, efficient and modern aviation in the country,” the PAA said.
It added that RNP-AR flight procedures for Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral “will be implemented by June 2026,” subject to the findings of a consultant’s feasibility study.
The authority said the system would “significantly reduce weather-related flight delays and cancelations.”
The PAA also announced timelines for several other major upgrades, including terminal expansion at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport by September 2026 and runway modernization at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport by January 2026.
Further works include the next upgrade phase at Skardu Airport and phase two of Muridke General Aviation Aerodrome, both due to begin next year.
New greenfield airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Sukkur and Faisalabad have also entered planning stages, the statement said.
Final sites have been approved for a new air-traffic control tower and rescue fire station at Karachi Airport, infrastructure the PAA said would strengthen air-traffic management and safety.
“Pakistan Airports Authority is leading the aviation sector toward a safer and more accessible future,” it said.
