Pakistani diaspora, working in various parts of the world has always contributed towards national financial health of Pakistan by sending huge remittances on monthly basis. In December 2024, the foreign remittances sent by Pakistani expatriates has reached high; $3.08 billion, which is 6% more than the previous month’s (November 2024) remittances. From July to December 2024, the Pakistani communities working across the globe has sent $17.8 billion which is 32.8% more than the remittances, sent during the same time period in 2023 ($13.4 billion). This inflow of remittancesis an indication that, for the financial year 2024-25, the total volume of the remittances may surpass $35 billion, compared to 30 billion during financial year; 2023-24.
Increase in the foreign remittances by Pakistani diaspora is an indication that, they are deeply concern about their motherland and its economic situation. The patriotism and love of the expatriate Pakistanis must be appreciated by everyone in Pakistan. These approximately 10 million Pakistani Expats are doing a great job for their homeland, for the people of Pakistan and for their families in Pakistan. The increase in the foreign remittances is an indication that these Pakistanis are not taking into considerations the political polarization in Pakistan and their political affiliations. Rather, they have vetoed the calls from some quarters and political entities, who wished them not to send their money in Pakistan under the current political set-up.
Indeed, the rising remittances from Pakistani expats has reinforced foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan and helped in reducing the major economic vulnerabilities, Pakistan faced in last two years. Owing to serious economic crises Pakistan had to agree with the tough economic measures and restrictions of the International Monetary Fund while making an agreement for securing $7 billion loan in September 2024. The increase in the remittances from Pakistan diaspora will reduce the IMF pressure and facilitate the return of loan and other liabilities. Remittances are one aspect; the Pakistani Diaspora plays many other roles in the field of economic uplift of Pakistan and Pakistani masses.They are assisting Pakistani masses through entrepreneurship within Pakistan and abroad, providing sponsorships for their families and needy people and also funding the poor communities within Pakistan. Through establishment of their businesses and investments in Pakistan, they create job opportunities for local masses of Pakistan and reduce the burden on the Government. Pakistani Expatriates have been involved in philanthropic activities at societal level by uplifting their social communities. They have been supporting many educational projects, health facilities, environment related projects and supporting the low income people. They also have been playing very active role in making lobbies’ for Pakistan through informal political linkages and un-official diplomatic contacts.
Besides, sizable remittances, the Pakistani Diaspora has been playing a great role towards image building of the country in their host countries and work places. Indeed, all Pakistan who proceed abroad in connection with their jobs are the ambassadors of Pakistan and make a representation of their motherland from the perspectives of demonstrating and promoting Pakistani culture, Pakistani values and Pakistani traditions. As evident from past practices of Pakistan Expats, they acted as bridge between their host countries and their motherland through a number of ways. They have substantially reduced the negative image demonstrated by segments of global media under the Indian influence and Indian media networks(including Indian Chronicles) exposed by Brussels-based EU DisinfoLab.
Indeed, it was a huge media network of 265 coordinated fake local media outlets in 65 countries which was serving Indian interests while creating negative image of Pakistan world-wide. Pakistani diaspora has constantly rebuffed such media out-lets and negative propagation of Pakistan by selected global and regional lobbies. During the interaction of Pakistani Expats with their colleagues in their host countries, they dispel the negative propaganda, made by anti-Pakistan lobbies. While highlighting and appreciating the roles of Pakistani Expats, it is worth mentioning that, international community and people of the host countries will listen and believe those Pakistanis who demonstrate high values system, honesty and a positive personal conduct. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Pakistani diaspora to be very courteous and careful on these accounts, otherwise, they will not be trusted. As evinced from past record, among three sections of the Pakistani Diasporas, the middle and low income group has contributed maximum towards remittances in Pakistan. This is mainly because their families are still in Pakistan and depends upon them for everything. Nevertheless, they face many legal and administrative issues on various accounts which need to be resolved by Government. The second group consists of well-educated and professionals like doctors, engineers, etc. In most of the cases their families are residing with them in their host countries, therefore, they send fewer remittances and invest less in Pakistan. Nevertheless, they are undertaking some of the philanthropic projects within Pakistan. The third group consists of students; have less money to send back home. Nevertheless, they play a major role towards positive projection of Pakistani image abroad.
Pakistan is a gift of Allah Almighty and most viable state on the map of the world. It is only because of the bad governanceand power politics over the years which caused the economic crises and political instability in the country. The role of Pakistani Diaspora has been commendable towards its economic well-being and image building across the globe. There is a dire need that, Government must capitalize the remittances through their best utilization at home. While the inflow of remittances from Pakistani Diaspora has been record high in last six-months, let’s reduce the expenditures on Non-developmental sectors, luxuries of MPs, ministers and bureaucracy. Besides, the Government should indigenize the economy of Pakistan through diversification and private-public partnership. Besides, Government must maintain a closer liaison with Pakistani diaspora through CBMs and by addressing their genuine legal and administrative anxieties.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
