ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) : Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that funds sent by overseas Pakistanis through Roshan Digital Accounts, created by the State Bank of Pakistan, crossed $200 million yesterday.
“The pace is accelerating,” PM Imran said. ” First $100 million came in 76 days and the next $100 million came in only 28 days.”
“I want to thank our great asset, overseas Pakistanis.” the PM added.On September 10, Prime Minister Imran INAUGURATED the ‘Roshan Digital Account’, an initiative that aims to facilitate millions of overseas Pakistanis to undertake fund transfers, bill payments and investment activities in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that Pakistani diaspora is the country’s biggest assets but they are often looked upon with suspicion.
“They are our best brains. Many even say they cannot become ministers or cabinet members. We need to change this attitude.”
The premier said that at times “we lack expertise within the country and therefore require the services of overseas Pakistanis”.
The Roshan Digital Account is a major initiative by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), together with eight other commercial banks operating in the country.
These banks will provide innovative banking solutions for millions of non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs) and for the first time in Pakistan’s history, they will be able to open an account in any bank through an entirely digital and online process, without having to visit any bank, embassy or consulate.Meanwhile Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair an important session today where he will be briefed over the performance of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), by its chief executive officer (CEO), ARY News reported on Thursday.
The session will also be attended by Federal Minister For Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, secretary aviation and Director-General (DG) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Ishrat Hussain.The premier will be apprised about the financial crisis being faced after assigning route to a foreign airline for running flights to London and Manchester. The decision had been opposed by the national carrier’s management.
At this time, the country’s flight operation for London and Manchester is currently being run through alternative sources.During the session, the PIA CEO will also raise the matters related to permission granted to the foreign airlines for initiating flight operations and travel restrictions.
Yesterday, the PIA CEO Arshad Malik had met PM Imran Khan where he complained about the permission granted to foreign airlines for landing in Pakistan.