ISLAMABAD: Prime Min­ister Shehbaz Sharif has thanked overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances in Dec 2025 which surpassed figures of the last year.

In a statement here on Sunday, the prime minister said patriotic Pakistanis living abroad remitted 3.6 billion dollars in Dec 2025, which reflects their strong commitment to the country’s economic stability.

He said remittances witnessed a 16.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

The prime minister termed the rise in remittances a clear manifestation of overseas Pak­istanis’ confidence in the government’s economic policies.

Rich tribute paid to late IT prodigy Arfa Karim

He appreciated their role in rejecting negative propaganda and contributing to national development through continued financial support.

“Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset, and the entire nation, including myself, takes pride in them,” the prime minister said.

He said that ensuring welfare and facilitation of overseas Pakistanis remains one of the government’s top priorities and reaffirmed the commitment to take further measures for their well-being.

Meeting with parents of Arfa Karim

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met on Sunday parents of late IT prodigy Arfa Karim Randhawa, Samina Amjad and Amjad Karim Randhawa, and Chief Exe­cutive of the Arfa Karim Fou­ndation, Tabinda Islam.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said providing the Pakistani youth with internationally competitive education and training in the information technology sector is among government’s top priorities.

Paying rich tribute to Arfa Karim, the prime minister lauded her remarkable contribution to the IT sector at a you­ng age and for bringing pride to Pakistan on the global stage.

He said that in recognition of her lasting services, the IT Tower in Lahore has been named Arfa Karim Tower.

The prime minister said the government was working round-the-clock to transform the country into a regional hub for the IT sector and special emphasis was being placed on IT education and training for the youth, along with promotion of entrepreneurship in this sector.

He said the federal government has continued its laptop distribution programme this year as well to encourage high-performing male and female students.

Terming the establishment of the Arfa Karim Foundation a positive step for promotion of IT sector in the country, the prime minister assured full government support to the foundation at all levels.

The parents of the late Arfa Karim appreciated the government’s initiatives for the development of the IT sector in the country.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026