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
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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
PM Sharif seeks Ericsson’s global expertise as Pakistan eyes 5G rollout
- The prime minister says Pakistan wants to benefit from Ericsson’s experience in advanced networks
- Government aims to auction 5G spectrum by late January or early February, the IT minister has said
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday the government was keen to draw on global expertise as it prepares to move ahead with next-generation digital connectivity, holding talks with Sweden’s Ericsson at a time when Islamabad plans to auction 5G spectrum in the coming weeks.
Last month, Pakistan’s information technology minister said the government was aiming to hold its long-delayed 5G spectrum auction by late January or early February to pave the way for the country’s first rollout of 5G services.
The prime minister discussed the role of next-generation digital connectivity in supporting economic growth, productivity and public service delivery during talks with an Ericsson delegation led by Patrick Johansson, the company’s president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the prime minister’s office said.
“Pakistan is interested in benefiting from Ericsson’s global experience in advanced networks, including 5G, and remains committed to developing secure and sustainable information technology infrastructure in line with national needs,” Sharif said, according to the statement.
The government has said expanding digital connectivity is central to its broader economic agenda, which includes improving financial inclusion, promoting cashless payments and strengthening disaster preparedness through technology.
The statement said Ericsson’s delegation welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to improve its telecom infrastructure, including plans for the 5G spectrum auction.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, IT minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior government officials.
