Overseas Pakistanis Drive Economic Strength: PM Shehbaz Sharif Acknowledges $34.9 Billion in Remittances as Lifeline for National Growth
Islamabad – June 16, 2025 – In a heartfelt message on the International Day of Family Remittances, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the unwavering commitment and economic contribution of over 9 million overseas Pakistanis. Their remittances have reached an all-time high of $34.9 billion in the current fiscal year, setting a new record and underlining their vital role in sustaining the Pakistani economy.
Speaking at a press conference organized in Islamabad to mark the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep appreciation for the patriotism and sacrifice shown by Pakistanis living abroad. He emphasized that these financial contributions are more than just monetary—they symbolize a deep-rooted bond between overseas citizens and their homeland.
Record-Breaking Remittances: A Testament to Trust
The Prime Minister revealed that $34.9 billion in remittances were recorded in the current fiscal year, marking a historic milestone. This figure is not only a financial indicator but also reflects the trust, loyalty, and emotional ties that overseas Pakistanis have with their roots. It demonstrates their consistent willingness to stand by Pakistan, even in the most challenging times.
Remittances have long been a critical component of Pakistan’s economic framework. They support millions of households directly by enabling them to meet daily expenses, fund education, cover healthcare costs, and even invest in small businesses or housing. Indirectly, remittances contribute to the country’s foreign exchange reserves, stabilize the Pakistani Rupee, and reduce dependence on foreign loans.
Shehbaz Sharif Calls Remittances the Backbone of Economic Stability
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not hesitate to call these remittances the “backbone of Pakistan’s economic resilience.” He highlighted how, during periods of financial uncertainty—such as global recessions, inflation spikes, or geopolitical crises—overseas Pakistanis never stopped sending support home.
“The love our diaspora has for this country cannot be measured in numbers alone,” the Prime Minister remarked. “Their remittances provide not just money, but hope. Hope for a better life, education for a child, medical care for the elderly, and dreams of a brighter future.”
The Diaspora’s Role in Nation-Building
The contributions of overseas Pakistanis go beyond economics. Many have become ambassadors of Pakistani culture, values, and identity in countries across the globe. They build bridges between communities, promote investment opportunities in Pakistan, and often facilitate job creation back home through business ventures and collaborations.
Several community leaders, investors, and skilled professionals among the diaspora are directly involved in philanthropic work, sending not just remittances but also skills, knowledge, and resources to their native towns and cities. From funding schools and clinics to supporting local development projects, their involvement has transformed countless lives.
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Government Initiatives to Facilitate Overseas Contributions
Acknowledging the immense role played by expatriates, PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening their engagement. He announced that more efficient and transparent systems will be introduced to make remittance transfers safer, faster, and cheaper.
Some of the measures already being implemented or in development include:
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Digital banking platforms tailored for overseas users
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Enhanced mobile money transfer applications
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Integration of Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) with international banks
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Incentive programs for formal remittance channels
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Legal protections and advisory services for overseas investors
The government is also collaborating with international partners and financial institutions to ensure that Pakistanis abroad can send money home without facing delays, hidden charges, or fraud risks.
National Recognition and Policy Reforms
During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that recognizing the diaspora’s efforts is a top priority. “We want our overseas brothers and sisters to know that their hard work is seen, respected, and celebrated,” he said.
He added that new policy reforms are being drafted to provide special incentives for overseas Pakistanis, including:
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Fast-track property dispute resolution
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Tax exemptions on remitted funds invested in local projects
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Access to special economic zones
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Reserved quotas in real estate and public housing schemes
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Dual nationality protections and immigration facilitation
These initiatives are aimed at providing a conducive environment for reinvestment in Pakistan and ensuring that every dollar sent home is used to improve both personal and national outcomes.
Challenges Faced by Overseas Pakistanis
While their contributions are immense, many overseas Pakistanis face challenges when sending remittances or investing in Pakistan. These include:
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Unreliable transfer systems
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High fees on remittance transactions
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Bureaucratic hurdles in investments
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Lack of legal recourse in property matters
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Limited engagement by local authorities
The Prime Minister acknowledged these issues and pledged to address them. A dedicated task force has already been formed under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to gather feedback, resolve complaints, and coordinate with foreign missions to better serve expatriate communities.
Building Stronger Bonds: A Vision for the Future
PM Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized that the government sees overseas Pakistanis not just as senders of remittances but as partners in progress. He stressed the need for continuous two-way communication and long-term planning that includes the diaspora in the country’s development goals.
Future plans include:
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Creating digital communities to link skilled professionals abroad with local development projects
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Expanding the Roshan Apni Car and Roshan Apna Ghar programs to more countries
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Organizing investment forums for Pakistani entrepreneurs abroad
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Promoting e-voting and political representation for overseas citizens
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Encouraging youth exchanges and educational collaborations
Voices from the Diaspora
Several overseas Pakistanis also shared their perspectives on the government’s recognition of their role. A Dubai-based engineer, Mr. Adnan Iqbal, said, “This acknowledgement by the Prime Minister motivates us to do more. It’s good to feel that our efforts are not going unnoticed.”
Similarly, Mrs. Farhat Ansari, a nurse working in the UK, mentioned, “Every month I send part of my income to support my family in Lahore. I’m proud that our support is helping Pakistan’s economy, especially in tough times.”
These testimonials mirror the collective pride and emotional connection the diaspora shares with their homeland.
International Day of Family Remittances: A Global Perspective
The International Day of Family Remittances is observed globally on June 16 each year, recognizing the crucial financial contributions made by migrant workers to their families and home countries. It is estimated that globally, over $650 billion in remittances are sent each year, providing lifelines for over 800 million people.
Pakistan is among the top 5 recipients of remittances globally, alongside countries like India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines. This reflects not only the scale of its workforce abroad but also the importance of establishing effective diaspora policies and communication.
Conclusion: A Shared Journey Forward
As the fiscal year draws to a close, the record-breaking figure of $34.9 billion in remittances tells a powerful story of love, sacrifice, and national commitment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message on this occasion was not just about numbers, but about people—millions of Pakistanis across continents who, despite living far away, carry Pakistan in their hearts.
The government’s renewed focus on strengthening ties with the diaspora, easing financial processes, and offering new incentives is a welcome step. If these efforts are sustained, overseas Pakistanis can become even more effective agents of positive change—helping Pakistan achieve economic revival, national stability, and a brighter future.
