Govt plans digital remittance solutions for Pakistanis in Gulf via PayPak scheme

The government is developing a technological solution aimed at facilitating overseas Pakistanis—particularly those residing in Gulf countries—by enabling them to send remittances through the local PayPak payment system, according to a statement by 1Link, the country’s payment gateway platform.

The announcement followed a recent meeting in Karachi involving key stakeholders, including Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), 1Link CEO Najeeb Agrawalla, and Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin.

During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, Pakistan received over $38.3 billion in remittances, with a significant portion coming from Pakistani workers in the Gulf region.

Chairman Khan emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the key challenges faced by Pakistanis both at home and abroad through innovative, cost-effective technological solutions.

“The government is eager to pursue strategic partnerships to empower overseas Pakistani youth via digital remittance platforms and expand the reach of PayPak under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme,” Khan stated, as quoted by 1Link.

He also acknowledged the vital role played by the overseas Pakistani community in supporting the national economy. The PM Digital Youth Hub, he said, is actively exploring ways to recognize their contributions through dedicated services and facilities.

Launched in 2016 by 1Link, PayPak is Pakistan’s first and only domestic payment scheme, making the country the 28th in the world to introduce its own national payment system. Its objective is to enhance financial inclusion and accelerate digital transformation.

1Link CEO Agrawalla noted the company’s commitment to facilitating secure, structured remittance flows from overseas Pakistanis, especially those based in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf nations. He added that PayPak services would also support cross-border payments related to Hajj, Umrah, and 1Bill transactions.

“As a leading payment service provider, 1Link is ready to offer its technical expertise and platform capabilities to support the rollout of these initiatives,” Agrawalla said.

PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin highlighted the presence of over 4 million Pakistanis in Gulf countries, many of whom lack easy access to reliable digital payment tools.

“PAFLA, working in collaboration with Pakistani embassies, local banks, and various agencies, is committed to reaching out to freelancers as well as blue- and white-collar workers through targeted engagement efforts across the Gulf region,” Amin stated.