Pakistani government officials are ramping up outreach to overseas Pakistanis in an effort to limit Imran Khan’s continued influence among diaspora members and secure their engagement. Remittances from these foreign-born Pakistanis play an integral role in supporting Pakistan’s economy as well as being crucial sources of support for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
One of the government’s main tools in achieving its goal is the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), an electronic banking platform created in 2020 under Khan’s administration that enables non-resident Pakistanis to access banking services within Pakistan without visiting consulates or physical bank branches; since its launch it has attracted substantial deposits – with over $5.2 billion reported as of October 2022! Furthermore, current administration is encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan through this RDA, such as investing in its stock market or government bonds.
As part of its financial initiatives, the government is also exploring policies to enhance overseas Pakistanis’ rights and privileges, such as voting rights and investment opportunities. This initiative aims to foster an inclusive national pride among diaspora communities while counteracting PTI’s populist messaging.
Imran Khan remains highly influential among overseas Pakistanis despite these initiatives, especially given his role as Prime Minister during which he appealed directly to them, such as appealing for donations to national projects like Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Furthermore, Khan’s administration championed their right to vote in national elections – something many expatriate Pakistanis longed for when seeking greater engagement in Pakistan’s political process.
As Pakistan continues its efforts to engage its diaspora, its success will likely depend on providing tangible benefits and maintaining steady communications with overseas communities. This initiative could have lasting implications for its political landscape as well as relations with global citizens.