Field Marshal and Government of Pakistan Urged to Take Immediate Action
Karachi: Former Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA), Muhammad Adnan Paracha, has strongly appealed to the Government of Pakistan and relevant authorities to take urgent measures to safeguard manpower exports and remittances in light of the current tensions in the Middle East. In his statement, Muhammad Adnan Paracha presented the following suggestions:
Protection of Remittances and Workforce:
He highlighted that over 80% of Pakistan’s manpower exports and a significant share of foreign exchange earnings are linked to Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. He warned that escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel could destabilize the region, potentially leading to a decline in remittances starting from July 2026. He urged the government to prepare a comprehensive plan in advance for the rehabilitation of thousands of workers who may be forced to return home.
Practical Investment Opportunities for Overseas Pakistanis:
Paracha further urged the government to move beyond announcing new schemes and instead provide overseas Pakistanis with a structured and secure platform for investment within the country. He noted that over the past two years, there has been no significant progress that overseas Pakistanis can trust. He emphasized that the time has come to reassess the real benefits of these schemes and ensure the protection of investments made by patriotic Pakistanis.
Call for Eliminating Corruption and Improving Systems:
Pointing out obstacles and elements of corruption at various stages of manpower export, he called for immediate reforms to make the system transparent. He noted that in the current global environment, countries are prioritizing their defense, and Pakistan must eliminate corruption within its manpower system to protect and expand this critical sector.
Practical Efforts for Economic Stability:
He stated that while Pakistan is a nuclear power with a strong defense system, the country must take effective and practical steps to address its economic challenges. He appealed to the Field Marshal and the government to take immediate and concrete actions to stabilize the economy so that Pakistan can withstand any global crisis.
