Overseas Pakistanis Major Contributors, Need Encouragement

 

Overseas Pakistanis need encouragement

EC decision distresses overseas Pakistanis

Islamabad: [Dec 29]

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Thursday said Pakistanis working abroad have a critical role in the economic development of the country therefore they should be encouraged.

Remittances support millions of needy, reduce poverty and inequality and help government counter impact of dwindling foreign capital inflows, it said.

Pakistan is among top 10 recipients of remittances; it is among the few countries which include these funds separately in the gross national income estimates, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President of the PEW.

Talking to Masood Khan, Vice Chairman, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, he said that those who are sending around one billion dollar a month to Pakistan—around 6 per cent of the GDP-- merits due attention.

He said that recent decision of the Election Commission to bar dual nationality holders from contesting elections will not go down well with expatriates. It is against the basic human rights of Pakistanis living abroad that are as loyal as any other citizen is, he added.

Dr. Mughal said that those keeping the morale of poor economy high should not be demoralised.

At the occasion, Masood Khan said that the dual nationality ban hurt millions. They are not abroad for fun, majority have opted for dual nationality for the sake of survival.

EC's biased decision will deprive many of their legitimate rights. It  can compromise their willingness to invest in Pakistan, said Masood Khan who is also the Consulate General of Lithuania in Pakistan.

Secretary General PEW Mirza Riaz said that the controversial decision has shaken confidence of expats which should be taken back immediately.

We cannot afford a fall in remittances at a time when economy is crumbling and there is hardly any investment in public sector development, industry and infrastructure, he said.

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