PM Imran directs giving incentives to overseas Pakistanis

Also directs FBR to resolve concerns of builders and constructors on priority basis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan directed his economic team on Thursday to give incentives to overseas Pakistanis to boost foreign remittances and facilitate banks for a systematic money transfer.

Chairing a meeting of the government's economic team, the prime minister discussed in detail the steps required to boost economic activity, creation of jobs for youth and skilled persons, promotion of housing sector and incentives on foreign remittances.

PM Imran said, "Expatriate Pakistanis are an asset of the country and the government was working on a strategy to provide maximum benefit to them to encourage foreign remittances."

The prime minister directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman to resolve the concerns of builders and constructors on a priority basis. He said that promotion of housing sector would generate immense job opportunities for youth as around 40 industries were linked with this area.

He said that removing impediments in promotion of housing sector was the government's top priority.

National Information Technology Board (NITB) Executive Director Syed Shabahat Ali Shah gave a detailed briefing over the progress on establishment of E-Payment Gateway for electronic payments. Naya Pakistan Housing Authority Chairman Anwar Ali Haider apprised the meeting about the steps taken for promotion of housing sector and the related challenges faced by builders and constructors.

He also gave an update on the progress on utilisation of public land for construction of houses for low-income families.

Former finance minister Shaukat Tareen and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari presented proposals on the topic.