- The Prime Minister says expats send $38 billion annually, helping the economy.
- says that the real strength of migrants lies in their skills and determination.
- Adds government work through EU talent partnerships, bilateral pacts.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that more than 12 million overseas Pakistanis were a valuable national asset as they are ambassadors of our homeland’s potential and culture and serve as a strong bridge between Pakistan and other nations.
“Their remittances, exceeding $38 billion annually, provided key support to the national economy and were a source of livelihood for millions of families, but added that the real strength of these migrants lies in their skills, hard work and determination,” the prime minister said in a message on International Migrants’ Day, which is celebrated on December 18.
“The Government of Pakistan is focused on imparting skills and technical education to those traveling abroad as success in today’s global economy requires not only technical expertise but also social skills and proficiency in various languages.”
He said that to meet such demands, the government was in the process of adapting the technical and vocational education system to the international standards. In this context, the government promoted social training, diverse skills and foreign language education so that its workforce could meet the demands of the modern age.
Today, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan joined countries across the globe in paying tribute to the courage, resilience, sacrifices and invaluable contributions of those individuals who left their homelands to earn a living in other countries.
“This year, International Migrant Day is celebrated under the theme ‘My Great Story: Cultures and Development’. This theme highlights the reality that human mobility on a large scale is proving to be a useful source of prosperity and benefits,” the PM Office Media Wing in a press release quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The Prime Minister noted that the movement of people from different social backgrounds enriched societies culturally and promoted innovation and creativity in local communities.
“When a multicultural society is based on the principles of cooperation, dignity and rights, it promotes sustainable and long-term development,” he added.
He said through the European Union Talent Partnership, as well as memoranda of understanding entered into with various countries, Pakistan established an organized system to ensure international recognition of overseas Pakistanis’ skills and protection of their rights.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the drafts of the National Emigration and Welfare Policy and the National Reintegration Policy ensured that every person going abroad experiences a safe, secure and dignified journey at all stages.
The Prime Minister emphasized on the renewal of their commitment to play a role in empowering those forced by circumstances to seek job opportunities abroad by equipping them with skills and ensuring safer, more dignified opportunities so that the common development journey can bring dividends.
