Overseas Pakistanis can now enjoy uninterrupted mobile services upon arrival without paying taxes.
In a significant move aimed at facilitating overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has introduced a temporary mobile registration system. Under this initiative, Pakistani expatriates residing in the UAE and other countries can now utilize their mobile phones for four months without any interruption upon reaching their home country.
Previously, there was no fixed duration for overseas Pakistanis to use their handsets in Pakistan, often resulting in service disruptions after two months due to non-registration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the invaluable contributions made by overseas Pakistanis, who serve as exceptional ambassadors of their country. He acknowledged their tireless efforts and significant remittance inflows, which play a vital role in boosting the national economy.
With over nine million Pakistanis living and working abroad, primarily in the GCC, Europe, and the US, the diaspora contributes billions of dollars in remittances. The UAE alone hosts approximately 1.7 million Pakistanis, making it the second-largest home for the South Asian community after Saudi Arabia.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, remittances from overseas Pakistanis decreased to $2.2 billion in June, compared to $2.8 billion in the same period the previous year. The total remittances for the fiscal year 2023 also saw a decline, reaching $27 billion as opposed to $31.3 billion in the previous year.
During the launch of the “Online Temporary Mobile Registration System for the Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Nationals,” Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the key benefits of the initiative. Overseas Pakistanis will be able to register their handsets during their visits to Pakistan without incurring any taxes, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Reports suggest that the PTA will facilitate an online registration system, providing accessible links for Pakistani expatriates, students, and foreign tourists to register their mobile phones seamlessly.
Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing convenience and assistance to overseas Pakistanis when they return to their homeland to reunite with their loved ones.
The new temporary mobile registration system not only addresses the concerns of the expatriate community but also aims to strengthen the bond between overseas Pakistanis and their country, fostering a sense of belonging and support for their invaluable contributions.