PM Imran announces funeral grant for overseas Pakistanis

Fund will help needy and destitute diaspora to bury their loved ones with dignity, says premier

Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved funeral grant for overseas Pakistanis to help them “bury their loved ones with dignity”.

In a tweet from this official handle on Thursday, the premier said fund of Rs25,000 will be disbursed by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) to the needy diaspora.

“Our govt is moving forward in service delivery for overseas Pakistanis. Funeral grant of PKR 25,000 has been approved to be given from @opf_pk [OPF]. Amount will be given to help the needy and destitute amongst our diaspora to bury their loved ones with dignity. More facilities to follow,” he announced in a tweet.

Our govt is moving forward in service delivery for #OverseasPakistanis. Funeral grant of PKR 25,000 has been approved to be given from @opf_pk. Amount will be given to help the needy & destitute amongst our diaspora to bury their loved ones with dignity. More facilities to follow

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 6, 2021

Announcement comes a day after PM Imran publically castigated Pakistani missions abroad for showing “indifferent attitude” toward Pakistanis living abroad particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

He also urged the envoys to give preferential treatment to those who haven't seen their families for six to eight months and are working abroad.

"They spend hefty amount but there is a lack of compassion from your end... serve them properly... they're the force this country is running on."

Remittances from Pakistani workers employed abroad exceeded $2 billion for the 10th consecutive month in March at $2.7 billion — up 43 per cent from a year earlier.

Workers’ remittances increased 43% to $2.72 billion in March, 2021 compared to $1.90 billion in the same month of previous year. Inflows were 20% higher compared to February 2021, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported.

“The love and commitment of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled. You sent over $2 billion for 10 straight months despite Covid, breaking all records… We thank you,” PM Imran had said on his official Twitter handle.

The love & commitment of Overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled. You sent over $2bn for 10 straight mths despite Covid, breaking all records. Your remittances rose to $2.7bn in Mar, 43% higher than last yr. So far this fiscal yr, your remittances rose 26%. We thank you

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 12, 2021