Imran says ‘special package’ for overseas Pakistanis soon

Prime minister posted tweets yesterday, after ‘extensive meeting’ discussing the issue

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan tweeted yesterday that a special package of incentives for overseas Pakistanis will be announced soon.

Yesterday, @ImranKhan posted a series of tweets after “an extensive meeting” to discuss the matter.

He tweeted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government is working to remove hassles Overseas Pakistanis face while remitting money to the country.

@ImranKhanPTI wrote: “Had an extensive meeting this morning on Overseas Pakistanis. We are going to announce a special package of incentives to encourage them to send remittances through banking channels by removing all hindrances and procedural issues. [The] Philippines did this successfully.”

He added: “InshaAllah by removing these hindrances we will be able to increase remittance flows from $20 billion (Dh73 billion) to at least $30 billion (Dh110 billion) and perhaps even $40 billion (Dh146 billion) through banking channels.”

‘Easier and cost-effective’

Applauding the step taken by Khan, tweep @SorayaAziz posted: “Appreciate the fact that overseas Pakistanis are being given much attention. Easier and cost-effective process of sending remittances to Pakistan, property and land disputes dealt with and a simplified, faster and cost-effective process of visas for foreigners is a good start.”

However, the issue of remittance will not be the only focus of the upcoming special package.

According to Pakistani news outlet Geo TV: “In his first address to the nation after taking the oath, PM Khan had urged overseas Pakistanis to send their money through proper banking channels and invest in the country to help overcome the rising current account deficit.