THE importance of remittances sent by workers or other class of people living abroad cannot be overemphasised. It is a hard-earned income expatriates remit to their relatives and other organisations through private or government channels for the purpose of livelihood or business, or education or for any other purpose.

Workers’ remittances recorded impressive growth during the last four years. They grew by 21 per cent in 2011 on the top of 14 per cent average growth during the last four years . The hypothesis at the start of the study was that due to the adverse law and order situation, as well as the war on terror, our expatriates will be discouraged to send their money to their relatives in Pakistan for different purposes but the study proved that remittances were received at the increasing trends and the Pakistanis living abroad proved their sympathy with their country and the people of Pakistan.

It has also been seen that financial institutions through which remittances were sent showed their competence and efficiency to encourage the expats to send their hard-earned money to help Pakistan in times of financial difficulties.

The State Bank of Pakistan has also tried to frame such policies as increasing the spirit of Pakistanis to send their money through proper channels. This would help the Pakistan government to face the future and coming odd times.

DR ALI AKBAR DHAKAN Chairman Sindh Development Foundation Karachi