The federal government is keen to facilitate overseas Pakistanis and Pakistani youth in Gulf countries, mainly by providing a technological solution that enables them to send remittances to their families with ease through a domestic payment scheme, PayPak.
Stakeholders Discuss Digital Remittance Solutions
This was stated by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), in a meeting held with stakeholders recently in Karachi. The meeting included Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of PAFLA, and Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO of 1LINK.
Government’s Commitment to Innovative Solutions
The federal government is working extensively to serve Pakistanis both domestically and overseas by addressing their core issues through innovative, technological, and affordable means. In this regard, the government is exploring strategic collaboration on empowering overseas Pakistani youth through digital remittance services and expanding PayPak’s reach under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Khan said.
Overseas Pakistani Youth: Key Economic Contributors
A significant number of overseas Pakistanis comprise youth, who are assets to the country due to their commendable role in contributing to the economy. Hence, the PM Digital Youth Hub is exploring various options to honor their services with dedicated facilities and offerings, Chairman PMYP added.
1LINK’s Role in Facilitating Remittances
Commenting on the occasion, Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO of 1LINK, said:
*”We aim to take initiatives to facilitate secure and structured remittance flows from non-resident Pakistani workers, especially those based in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf countries, while also promoting the use of PayPak for Hajj, Umrah, and other cross-border transactions, including 1BILL service for non-resident Pakistanis.”*
As a major payment service provider, 1LINK proposed extending its technological expertise and platform capabilities to support the development and implementation of these initiatives.
PAFLA’s Efforts to Support Overseas Workers
Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of PAFLA, highlighted that over 4 million Pakistanis reside in Gulf countries and strive to contribute honestly to the national economy through their hard-earned income. Unfortunately, many lack access to reliable and user-friendly technological payment solutions.
“PAFLA, in collaboration with Pakistani diplomatic missions, banks, and agencies, will make every effort to reach freelancers, blue-collar, and white-collar Pakistani workers through outreach and engagement efforts across Gulf countries,” he added.
Remittances: A Vital Economic Contribution
Pakistan received over $38.3 billion in remittances in the financial year 2024-25, with overseas Pakistanis in Gulf countries contributing a major share to these remittance values.