Latest news with #overseasPakistanis
Khaleej Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Pakistanis offered tax-free mobile registration when visiting home country
Pakistan has introduced a tax-free mobile registration facility for its citizens travelling from the UAE and other countries, allowing them to temporarily register their mobile phones without incurring any charges. In April, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) launched a Temporary Mobile Registration System aimed at overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting the country. " Overseas Pakistanis can now avail themselves of a tax-free mobile registration facility for up to 120 days per visit under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) policy," the PTA announced in a statement on Wednesday. "This service is facilitated through our free, automated Temporary Mobile Registration System, accessible via the DIRBS portal." The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of Pakistanis residing in the UAE, particularly those who return to their home country for extended vacations. Many of these individuals are freelancers or small business owners, often leaving their businesses in the care of family members while they are away. Travellers bringing mobile phones from abroad are typically required to register their devices upon arrival to ensure continued network access. Once the temporary registration period expires, unregistered phones may be blocked from making or receiving calls. Pakistan is home to a sizable expatriate community in the UAE, with approximately 1.7 million Pakistani nationals living and working in the Emirates. In 2024 alone, more than 60,000 Pakistanis migrated to the UAE in search of better job opportunities. "This initiative ensures seamless mobile connectivity during short stays in Pakistan and reflects the PTA's commitment to promoting digital access for all visitors," the statement added.
Arab News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan army chief lauds overseas Pakistanis' economic role during US visit
KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir appreciated the economic contributions of overseas Pakistanis during an interaction with the community members from his country in Washington DC, according to a statement from the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Tuesday. Munir is currently visiting the United States to strengthen bilateral military and strategic ties. This marks his second visit to the US since assuming charge as army chief in November 2022. His first visit was in December 2023, during which he met senior American civilian and military officials. Pakistan and the United States have shared a defense relationship dating back to the Cold War era. Over the decades, Washington has worked closely with Pakistan's military leadership and civilian governments on issues ranging from regional stability and counterterrorism to cooperation in Afghanistan. 'Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to United States,' the ISPR said. 'During the visit, the COAS interacted with the Overseas Pakistani community in Washington DC. The COAS received a warm reception and welcome from the overseas Pakistanis, who gathered in large numbers to meet with the Chief of Army Staff.' 'During the interaction,' the statement added, 'the COAS expressed his deep appreciation for the vital and most significant role being played by overseas Pakistanis for being ambassadors of Pakistan. He acknowledged their contributions to Pakistan's economy, and global reputation by contributing actively through remittances, investments and higher achievements in other domains.' The ISPR said members of the diaspora shared their experiences and suggestions during the engagement. Munir emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with overseas Pakistanis, calling for collaborative efforts to address common challenges and support Pakistan's development. The participants of the gathering applauded the armed forces of Pakistan for the 'outstanding performance' during the recent military standoff with India. The interaction concluded with a 'renewed sense of purpose and commitment,' the military said, adding that both sides pledged to work together toward a more secure and resilient Pakistan. According to media reports over the weekend, supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan held a protest outside the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on Saturday, citing Munir's presence in the US capital and calling for 'restoration of democracy' in their home country. Khan has been in prison since August 2023 following his arrest on corruption charges. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and claims the legal cases against him are politically motivated to keep him out of Pakistan's political arena. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused the military of orchestrating his government's ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. PTI also alleged the move was carried out under pressure from the United States, a claim denied by all parties involved.
Arab News
09-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's remittances hit record $31.2 billion in current fiscal year, led by Saudi inflows
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded the contribution of overseas Pakistanis as workers' remittances surged to a record $31.2 billion during the first ten months of the current fiscal year, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the top source of inflows. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), remittances rose by 30.9 percent during July-April FY25 compared to $23.9 billion received in the same period last year. In April alone, Pakistan received $3.2 billion, showing a 13.1 percent year-on-year increase. The inflows were mainly sourced from Saudi Arabia ($725.4 million), United Arab Emirates ($657.6 million), United Kingdom ($535.3 million) and the United States ($302.4 million). 'Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over a 31 percent increase in remittances during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year,' a statement issued by his office said. 'Remittances reaching a record level is a reflection of the confidence of overseas Pakistanis in government policies,' it quoted him as saying. Remittances form a vital pillar of Pakistan's external sector, helping stabilize the current account, fueling domestic consumption and easing the country's reliance on external borrowing. Earlier this year, in March, the SBP recorded an all-time monthly high of $4.1 billion in remittance inflows, driven by seasonal factors and improved formal channel usage. Pakistan has focused on boosting exports and remittances in recent years as part of broader efforts to strengthen its external sector and address economic vulnerabilities. The central bank has also revised its FY25 remittance projection upward from $36 billion to $38 billion, citing current trends.
