Remittances to Pakistan touch $750mn annually

Muscat: Remittances to Pakistan in the last three years have averaged at a record US$750 million per annum, according to a statement from the Pakistani embassy.
Over 1,000 people thronged the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex to welcome Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, recently.
The Minister presented “Certificates of Appreciation” to 60 Pakistanis and Omanis for their Services to the Community, Pak-Oman Friendship, Tourism, Sports, Arts, Literature, Media and Academic Excellence.
In his address, the Foreign Minister expressed pride over the presence of 275,000 Pakistanis in Oman and their impressive participation in the mega event.
Recalling the appreciation from the Omani leadership for the Pakistani diaspora’s contribution to the development of Oman, the Minister thanked the community and added that both sides had concurred to convert historical relations into a “Strategic Partnership” for mutual strength and benefit with their people at the very core of the strategy.
He shared contours of welfare projects approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan for 9 million expats, including “Dollar Savings Bonds”, with yields at 6.75 per cent for as low as $5000 deposits and “Visa on Arrival” for 50 countries, including Oman.
Through his address, the minister launched initiatives, namely “Vacation 2020”, urging overseas Pakistanis to spend their 2020 Vacations in Pakistan and called for the global celebrations of “Pakistan@80” to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 1940.
The audience comprised people from all over the Sultanate, including Burami, Sur, Nizwa, Sohar, Suwaiq, Ibri and Ibra.
A folklore troupe from Pakistan School Muscat with children aged 7-8 years captivated the audience with dances to tunes originating from the four provinces of Pakistan.
The Gilgit Baltistan dance was performed by two members of the Sultan Qaboos University.