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Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Italian Republic Day: Message from Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan
June 2nd commemorates, not the creation of Italy as a modern state in 1861, but the momentous popular vote in 1946 when Italians chose the Republic over the Monarchy and elected the Constitutional Assembly that was to write our Constitutional Charter. It was one of the first democratic constitutions written after the tragedy of World War Two, widely seen as a model for many other countries going through a similar democratization process. June 2nd is truly the National Day of the people of Italy. One of the first acts of the Italian Republic in international relations was to establish diplomatic relations with the newly born Islamic Republic of Pakistan, one of the first four European countries to do so. Since then, our two Countries have cultivated a deep-seated friendship. 2025 has witnessed a conspicuous uptick in our bilateral strategic partnership, with a number of consultations and exchange of visits at the highest political level. After the visit to Rome of the Minister of Interior of Pakistan, Hon. MohsinNaqvi, and the Minister of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Hon. ChaudhrySalikHussain, in June 2024, the Minister of Interior of Italy, Hon. MatteoPiantedosi, visited Islamabad on May 6th and 7th 2025. The tangible outcome of this exchange of visits was the signature of two bilateral instruments of paramount importance: the 'Declaration on the establishment of the Joint Committee on promoting cooperation in preventing and combating transnational organized crime' and the 'Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Labour Mobility'. These agreements are milestones that open to the many talented Pakistani youth a sound legal pathway to settle in Italy and contribute to the well-being of our society but also to that of Pakistan through their remittances. In 2024, the flow of remittances from Italy to Pakistan amounted to around 580 million euros, a testament to the deep-rooted people-to-people connections between our two countries. Italy remains home to the largest Pakistani community in the European Union, an industrious diaspora, dotted with several excellencies in entrepreneurship, research, education, craftmanship, and even literature. At the same time, the Ministers of Interior of our two Countries reaffirmed their resolute intent to strengthen their cooperation and information exchange to counter, not only structured migrant trafficking organizations, but also so-called facilitators. In 2025, Pakistani nationals constitute the third largest nationality landing illegaly in Italy (after Bangladesh and Eritrea), with 1,716 arrivals, compared to 690 in the same period in 2024. The geopolitical landscape is quickly evolving, and deepening mutual understanding on key international issues is also critical. On February 28th 2025, Rome hosted the sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations between the Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, H.E. Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, and the Pakistani Foreign Secretary, H.E. Ambassador AmnaBaloch, in preparation for possible other political visits to Pakistan. A wide range of bilateral and regional issues were discussed, such as the Middle East and Ukraine, reflecting the scope and depth of our mutual interests. Other landmark events have invigorated the friendship between Italy and Pakistan over the last year. In the second half of 2024 the port of Karachi welcomed for the fourth and fifth time in recent years the visit of Italian naval ships. While three other Italian ships – FREMM Margottini, FREMM Carabiniere and multi-purpose ship Morosini – had already visited in past years the economic capital of Pakistan, always with a significative official delegation from the Italian Navy, October 2024 saw the exceptional docking in Karachi, for the first time, of our Carrier Strike Group: aircraft carrier Cavour and frigate Alpino. In December 2024, Karachi hosted the iconic sailing ship of the Italian Navy, beautiful Amerigo Vespucci. Italian technological advancements, including the defense sector, have been manifold in recent times, and Italy is part of a small group of Nations able to deploy a Carrier Strike Group with air and naval assets that can guarantee the security of international spaces and freedom of navigation. Italy does not ignore the mounting risks arising from Pakistan's unsettled bilateral relationships with its neighbors, within the broader context of increasing global tensions. In keeping with our doctrine of the enlarged Mediterranean, Italy has gradually increased the level of relationships with the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating her intention to pursue the protection of trade routes to Suez (essential to our trade) and the principle of freedom of navigation. Italian engagement, including participation in military exercises in the Pacific, as well as the round-the-world voyage of ship Vespucci, make visible Rome's active commitment to strengthening ties with allies and partners in the region. In this regard, Italy considers Pakistan as an indispensable strategic partner in the region, and in this light we should view the growing ties between the defense industries of both countries – let me just highlight the Italian participation in several exercises/event like Aman, PIMEC, IDEAS. In particular, the presence of the Italian major national defense companies alongside their Pakistani counterparts at IDEAS and during the visits of our naval ships signals our willingness to get to know each other better, exchange views, and explore possible further avenues for collaboration. Whilst you can refer to the articles by the Director of the Italian Cooperation Agency and the Trade Commissioner for more details on the latest development projects and some stories of economic and business success, there would be something amiss here if I did not expand on the intensity and tenacity of our bilateral cultural ties. In 2025, the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan blows out 70 candles on its birthday cake. It was in 1955 that Italian archaeologists first fell in love with Swat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Especially Professor Giuseppe Tucci, a world-class scholar in Tibetan and Buddhist studies, who first understood the significance of this chunk of Swat Valley, roamed by buffaloes and goats. Since then, Italian archaeologists have continuously worked in the region, playing a key role in unearthing the roots of the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent. Italian experts have made ground-breaking discoveries, including the unearthing of the ancient city of Bazira and the stunning painted pottery from the Chalcolithic period. Over the years, we have worked tirelessly with incredibly motivated Pakistani counterparts, especially in KPK, to preserve the country's cultural treasures. In 2014, the Italian Government launched the unique "Debt for Heritage" initiative, which enabled us to restore and rebuild several archaeological sites, including the Swat Museum and the colossal Jahanabad Buddha. In 2021, yet one big surprise. Excavations revealed the complete ShahiVishnuite temple in Barikot, including its podium, floors, and striking marble decorations from the TurkiShahi period. By the end of the excavations, over 2,200 objects, including sculptures, coins, inscriptions, ceramics, ornaments, iron weapons, and stone tools, were found, restored, and handed over to the Swat Museum. But Italy has not only worked in KPK. In Sindh, an imposing citadel with 55 towers surrounds the site of Banbhore, not far from Thatta, on the banks of what used to be a branch of the Indus Delta. It is not an overstatement to say that Banbhore was like the Dubai of its era, such a cosmopolitan place that Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Persian, and Arabic sources all mention it, and remnants of religious buildings show that Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam co-existed peacefully for a long time. This ancient city, now an archaeological park of over 64 acres, served as a vital harbour town and market on the monsoon routes of the Indian Ocean. It connected eastern Africa with the Hindu-Iranian regions, and the Orient (China and Inner/Central Asia) with the Occident (the Roman empire and Byzantium). The site's history spans about 15 centuries, from the 3rd-4th Century BCE until the 12th–early 13th Century CE, connecting Banbhore to northern regions and Inner-Central Asia well before the Muslim faith arrived in Pakistan. Italian missions have been unearthing archaeological evidence that confirms Banbhore's major role since pre-Islamic times through the Parthian-Kushan, Saka, and Sasanian eras. In Islamic times, the site served as a key outlet to the sea for the Arab Abbasid Province of Great Sindh and later the Habbari Emirate. With the disintegration of the Emirate in the early 11th Century, Banbhore became the capital of an autonomous dominion, while maintaining for a couple of centuries its significance as harbour town and market for luxury goods, until the Indus River changed its course and sadly condemned the site to a slow death. Many more achievements could be mentioned, but more importantly much more can be done. With the Italian team in Islamabad and Karachi, I renew my commitment to broaden and strengthen the bonds between the two Countries and Peoples. Viva la Repubblica italiana! Pak-Italy dostizindabad! Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan seeks to diversify opportunities
Listen to article With shrinking employment opportunities in the Gulf, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan has started looking towards Japan to export human resources. The move aims to partially offset the adverse impacts on remittances, despite challenges to adopt Japanese culture by Pakistanis. Japan has long sought skilled Pakistani workers, but the local authorities were not able to meet the demand due to cultural and language barriers. Though this trend is slowly reversing, it benefits Pakistan through increased remittances and allowing workers to contribute to industrial development upon return to their home country, with the skills and knowledge acquired in Japan, stated Japan's ambassador to Islamabad, Akamatsu Shuichi on Friday. He said that the upcoming Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in July this year has already seen more than 1,000 applicants, reflecting the growing interest in learning Japanese among young Pakistanis. The foreign remittances sent by Pakistani workers and professionals are now the single largest source of avoiding default, even higher than the highly subsidised exports. Pakistan is expected to receive $38 billion in foreign remittances this fiscal year compared to an estimated about $32 billion in exports. But in March alone, Pakistan received $4.1 billion remittances with total remittances increasing to $28 billion. In the year 2023, about 863,000 Pakistanis went abroad, including 230,000 going to the UAE alone. However, the trend saw a downward spiral after the UAE government placed restrictions on Pakistani workers due to their illegal activities, including begging. As a result, only 64,130 workers went to the UAE in 2024, a reduction of 72% within a year. This pulled the overall number of people going abroad in search of jobs to 727,400 in 2024. The trend continued in 2025, with only 172,000 people going abroad during January-March period, including just 8,331 to the UAE. Japan's plan to welcome 340,000 foreign workers through the SSF framework offers a great opportunity for Pakistani skilled professionals, said Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Minister for Human Resource Development and Overseas Pakistanis. Highlighting challenges, Ambassador Akamatsu said that to live and work in Japan, foreign workers' need a certain level of Japanese language proficiency and an understanding of Japanese customs in business and daily life. He said that institutions like PlusW, Ecoscience, NUML, NUTECH, and HANA have already initiated Japanese language education courses tailored to employment in Japan. More than the skill set, it is the lack of respect for Japanese culture that is the biggest hurdle in exporting human resources to Japan, said a Pakistani official who, till recently served in Tokyo and worked for expanding cooperation in the human resource field. He said that Pakistan has the potential to increase remittance from Japan from $20 million per annum to $500 million, subject to adopting Japanese culture and learning their language. In the year 2023, about 1,184 Pakistanis went to Japan for jobs, which jumped to 1,518 in 2024 and showing an upward trajectory. During three months of this year, 708 Pakistanis went to Japan and the authorities expect that the figure will cross 3,000 this year. According to the recorded data, only 6,272 Pakistanis work in Japan. The Japanese ambassador emphasised that simplifying procedures on both sides is key to boosting cooperation and increasing the number of workers for smoother engagement. For Japanese companies, improvements in Pakistan's business environment are also essential. A better business climate would attract more Japanese investments, leading to larger employment opportunities for Pakistani professionals and the development of future-prominent talents, he added. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Technical Intern Training in 2019, more than 100 trainees have come to Japan due to the efforts of the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) and other stakeholders. Although this number is not yet satisfactory, this fact shows a tangible progress, said the ambassador. The JICA chief in Pakistan said that four years ago, JICA conducted two studies to assess Pakistan's ICT sector potential.
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister briefed on EOBI performance during 3 Quarters of FY2024-25
LAHORE: The Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain was briefed about EOBI performance during 3 Quarters of FY2024-25. During the briefing, the minister was apprised that following the retirement of chairman EOBI, Khaqan Murtaza in September 2024, the acting charge of the chairman was entrusted to the senior-most officer of EOBI, Dr Jawaid A Sheikh, who successfully steered the institution towards enhanced service delivery and performance. Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain consistently monitors EOBI's performance and receives weekly reports from its management. His emphasis on transparency and meritocracy has yielded remarkable results. The institution recorded a historic revenue of Rs 116 billion during the first three quarters of FY2024-25, reflecting an unprecedented 40% growth. After disbursing pensions and covering operational expenses, EOBI successfully added Rs 72.23 billion to its fund within just nine months, the Minister was briefed. The incumbent chairman introduced significant reforms, including the implementation of the 'Formula Pension,' resulting in higher pensions for long-serving workers. He also championed the restoration of minimum pensions for retirees of establishments entangled in legal disputes over contribution rates. Under his leadership, high-level Board meetings were conducted, leading to the Board of Trustees' (BOT) approval of a proposal to increase the minimum pension by 15% effective from January 1, 2025. This landmark decision is now awaiting final approval from the Federal Cabinet and is set to benefit approximately half a million pensioners, with an estimated annual financial impact of Rs 10 billion. Facing a severe shortage of human resources - operating at only 38% of its sanctioned strength - EOBI's service delivery was being hampered. Recognizing this, the current management expedited the recruitment process of candidates selected through a rigorous testing process conducted by LUMS. With the conclusion of the induction phase, the new officers are expected to join the institution shortly, further strengthening its operational capacity. Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain expressed satisfaction over EOBI's extraordinary performance and reiterated his commitment to transforming the organization into a self-sustained, transparent, and high-performing institution. He directed the management to expand the coverage of EOBI's social protection schemes, particularly by advocating for amendments in the law to include establishments with fewer than 10 employees that is for universal coverage and sectors currently exempted under the EOB Act, such as agriculture, financial institutions, domestic workers and statutory bodies. It is worth mentioning that EOBI, a key social protection organization operating under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, continues to serve the working class of Pakistan by providing Old-Age Pensions, Survivor Pensions, Invalidity Pensions, and Old-Age Grants. The recent developments at EOBI mark a new era of reforms, resilience, and service excellence, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the future of Pakistan's workforce. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
21-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan sent over 151,000 laborers to Gulf countries in first three months of 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan sent 151,120 skilled laborers to Gulf countries in the first three months of 2025, state-run media reported on Monday, with Saudi Arabia topping the list of countries where the most number of Pakistani workers went. A significant number of Pakistanis seek employment opportunities abroad for a better standard of living as the country grapples with macroeconomic challenges. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries are key destinations for Pakistan's skilled and unskilled workers, whose remittances are vital for the cash-strapped country. 'The report stated that the highest number of 121,970 Pakistanis went to Saudi Arabia, while 6,891 people went to the UAE, 8,331 to Oman, 12,989 to Qatar and 939 to Bahrain,' the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. 'Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, an attached department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development had sent around 172,144 Pakistani workers abroad to different countries in the first three months of this year.' The report said of the Pakistani workers that went abroad, 38,274 were drivers, 3,474 technicians, 2,130 electricians, 1,859 masons, 1,689 cooks, 1,479 engineers, 1,058 welders, 849 doctors, 436 teachers and 390 were nurses. The report highlighted that 1,454 workers also went to the United Kingdom, 870 to Turkiye, 815 to Greece, 775 to Malaysia, 592 to China, 350 to Azerbaijan, 264 to Germany, 257 to the United States, 109 to Italy and 108 to Japan in the same time period. In 2024, the Overseas Pakistanis Ministry reported that 727,381 skilled laborers were sent to work in Middle Eastern and European countries. A senior Pakistani official said in February that the government was working to bridge the skills gap and enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani workers, particularly in the Middle Eastern job market. In January, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain said Islamabad was focused on increasing the number of skilled workers heading to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of an innovative project management and a well-trained labor force. Pakistan sends approximately one million skilled workers abroad each year to help reduce unemployment and boost foreign exchange reserves through remittances. Pakistan also received a record-high $4.1 billion in remittances in March 2025, a positive sign for the government's efforts to revive an economy it expects to grow by three percent this year, with Saudi Arabia once again leading as the top contributor.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Islamabad to host first annual Overseas Pakistanis Convention today
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad will host its first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention today, Sunday, to recognize expatriates' contribution to the national economy and address their issues, state-run media reported. Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis are crucial for the South Asian country as it navigates a tricky path to recovery from a macroeconomic crisis that has drained its revenue. Pakistan expects to receive more than $35 billion in remittances this year through June, with overseas Pakistanis remitting a record $1.3 billion in February. The three-day convention will be held in Pakistan's capital from Apr. 13-15. 'It [convention] is aimed at recognizing the contributions of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy,' state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. It said the government will grant the status of 'state guests' to overseas Pakistanis attending the convention, adding that special arrangements are being made to welcome them at the country's airports. 'The Overseas Pakistanis Convention will provide a platform where overseas Pakistanis, government representatives, and national institutions will come together under one roof,' it said. Various government departments have set up help desks to provide information, guidance and services to overseas Pakistanis at a single location, it said. 'This reflects the Government's strong commitment to listening to, understanding and promptly addressing the problems of overseas Pakistanis,' the state broadcaster said. Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain expressed the government's determination to work for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and address their problems in a video message. 'Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis support hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis,' Hussain said. 'The significant increase in remittances in recent months reflects that you have trust in the Pakistani government.'
