The federal government of Pakistan has acknowledged the contributions of overseas Pakistanis in the new budget, announcing several initiatives in their favor. These include reserved quotas for their children in federally chartered universities and medical colleges, scholarships for skilled training, and annual awards for the 15 highest remittance senders on August 14 each year.
On Tuesday, during his budget speech, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the critical role of overseas Pakistanis and praised their services.
He stated, "Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset." He noted that in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, overseas Pakistanis sent $31.2 billion in remittances—a 31% increase compared to the previous year. Over the past two years, remittances have risen by $10 billion, significantly contributing to the reduction of the current account deficit.
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As a result, the government has decided to extend further facilities to overseas Pakistanis to enable them to continue playing an active role in national development. The finance minister announced the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis. A new online system will be introduced for case registration and evidence submission, and amendments will be made to civil procedure laws to prevent false lawsuits.
He also confirmed that the children of overseas Pakistanis will be given quotas in federally chartered universities and medical colleges, and scholarships will be provided for skill development programs. Additionally, 15 overseas Pakistanis who send remittances through the State Bank of Pakistan will be honored with special awards annually on Independence Day.
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25, remittances grew by 30.9% year-on-year from July to April, reaching a total of $31.2 billion. This surge transformed the current account from a $1.3 billion deficit last year to a $1.9 billion surplus—a major economic achievement and only the second time in Pakistan’s history that the current account has posted such a significant surplus, the first being in 2003.
