ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances of $3.6 billion in December 2025, marking a 16.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The prime minister described the inflow as a reflection of the strong commitment of the diaspora to Pakistan’s economic stability and their confidence in the government’s policies.
He said overseas Pakistanis are a “valuable asset” and play a crucial role in national development by rejecting negative propaganda and supporting the country financially. Ensuring their welfare and facilitating their engagement remains a top government priority, he added.
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On the same day, PM Shehbaz met the parents of the late IT prodigy Arfa Karim Randhawa, Samina Amjad and Amjad Karim Randhawa, along with Tabinda Islam, CEO of the Arfa Karim Foundation. He paid rich tribute to Arfa Karim for her extraordinary contributions to the IT sector at a young age and for bringing international recognition to Pakistan.
“Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset, and the entire nation, including myself, takes pride in them,” the prime minister said.https://t.co/CLmcJzsdCw
— Dawn Business (@dawn_business) January 12, 2026
He highlighted the government’s commitment to youth-focused IT education and training, stating that the country is being developed into a regional IT hub. The IT Tower in Lahore has been named Arfa Karim Tower in her honor.
The prime minister also underscored ongoing initiatives, including the laptop distribution program for high-performing students and promotion of IT entrepreneurship. He assured full support to the Arfa Karim Foundation in its efforts to advance Pakistan’s IT sector.
The family of the late Arfa Karim expressed appreciation for the government’s initiatives to develop the country’s IT infrastructure and opportunities for youth.
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