Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday hailed overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances during December 2025. He said the inflow stood at $3.6 billion, surpassing last year’s figures and reflecting a 16.5 per cent year-on-year increase.
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In a statement, the prime minister said the rise signaled expatriates’ confidence in the government’s economic policies. He said their contribution played a vital role in strengthening economic stability and countering negative narratives about the country’s outlook.
Calling overseas Pakistanis a “valuable asset”, the prime minister said the government would continue to prioritise their welfare and facilitation. He reaffirmed the commitment to introduce further measures aimed at protecting their interests and enabling smoother remittance channels.
Later, the prime minister met the parents of late IT prodigy Arfa Karim Randhawa in Islamabad. Arfa, who earned international recognition as one of the youngest certified IT professionals, continues to be regarded as a symbol of talent and innovation.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا دسمبر 2025 میں گزشتہ برس کے مقابلے ریکارڈ ترسیلاتِ زر بھیجنے پر سمندر پار مقیم پاکستانیوں سے اظہارِ تشکر
“دسمبر 2025 میں محبِ وطن سمندر پار مقیم پاکستانیوں نے 3.6 ارب ڈالر کی ترسیلاتِ زر بھیجیں، جن پر ان کے مشکور ہیں۔ سمندر پار مقیم پاکستانیوں کی… pic.twitter.com/k7gl3PNc96
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 11, 2026
During the meeting, Mr Sharif stressed the importance of equipping Pakistan’s youth with globally competitive education and training in the information technology sector. He said the government was working to transform the country into a regional IT hub, with emphasis on skills development, entrepreneurship and youth participation.
Paying tribute to Arfa Karim, the prime minister lauded her achievements at a young age and her role in enhancing Pakistan’s image abroad. He noted that the IT Tower in Lahore had been named in her honour, recognising her lasting contribution to the sector.
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Mr Sharif said the federal government had continued the laptop distribution initiative to support high-performing students and encourage technological learning. He assured full support for the Arfa Karim Foundation and praised its efforts toward promoting IT education and innovation.
Arfa’s parents expressed appreciation for government initiatives aimed at strengthening the IT industry and creating opportunities for young talent.