Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced the extension of the government’s remittance incentive scheme aimed at encouraging overseas Pakistanis to send money through formal banking channels.
The initiative — officially titled the Workers’ Remittances Incentive Scheme — is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and support external account stability by incentivizing the use of legal and transparent remittance systems.
In a directive to the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister ordered the immediate release of funds on a priority basis to ensure the continuation of the scheme without disruption.
The decision follows a record-breaking USD 38.3 billion in remittances received during the financial year 2025 — the highest ever in Pakistan’s history. The robust inflows were instrumental in helping the country post a current account surplus for the first time in 14 years.
“Overseas Pakistanis are our strength and a valuable national asset,” said PM Shehbaz, acknowledging the contribution of expatriates — from migrant workers to business professionals — in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.
He noted that remittances have played a critical role in managing the country’s import bill and shoring up its foreign exchange reserves. The government, he added, remains committed to removing obstacles in the remittance process and making the system more efficient and accessible.
The continuation of the remittance incentive scheme is seen as a key part of broader economic reforms aimed at formalizing foreign inflows, reducing reliance on informal channels, and maintaining financial stability.
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