Karachi: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized the critical role of overseas Pakistanis in bolstering the national economy, while outlining government initiatives aimed at addressing their concerns. During a visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Hussain highlighted reforms designed to enhance skills development and employment opportunities for overseas Pakistanis, along with efforts to create a more favorable business environment for industrialists.
According to Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, the minister assured industrialists that they would no longer face physical notices or harassment, as key institutions, including the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), are undergoing digitalization. This move is intended to facilitate tax compliance and foster a business-friendly environment. Hussain also noted the Federal Board of Revenue's need to pivot from a revenue-collection focus to a facilitation role, aiming to broaden the tax base.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced plans to provide overseas employment opportunities to 800,000 individuals, addressing increased demand for Pakistani labor in the GCC and other regions. Soft-skills training programs, in collaboration with Korea and Japan, are also being developed. Furthermore, the minimum age for women seeking overseas employment has been lowered from 35 to 25 years, potentially increasing their remittance contributions.
Zahid Hamid, Acting President of KATI, underscored the importance of the remittances sent by over nine million Pakistanis abroad, which amount to approximately $38 billion annually. He called for enhanced skills development through public-private partnerships to increase foreign exchange earnings. Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya highlighted the impact of repeated audit notices and the FBR's rigid approach on business confidence, urging for industrial growth facilitation.
The ceremony, attended by several industry leaders, emphasized the need for structured training programs and policy recommendations to improve workforce challenges. Former KATI President Masood Naqi advocated for the federal minister's visit to Korangi to witness the industrial training efforts firsthand and called for an effective mechanism to reduce industrialists' challenges.