Overseas Pakistanis should be given more incentives to prompt them to send remittances home through legal channels, according to Hassan Raza, head of structured credits and global remittance business at Habib Bank.
In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the construction sector is booming and they are hiring workers from Pakistan.
According to the official statement, they have a plan to hire 500,000 more labors. It would ultimately enhance the remittance volume to Pakistan.
Some important measures need to be taken to educate labors to send their remittances legally, Raza told Arab News in an exclusive interview.
Excerpts:
As you said, there is a need to boost remittances. So, what measures are you going to take to achieve the four to five million Pakistani rupee remittance target?
For this, we will have to take two to three important measures. Initially, there is a need to educate people to send their remittances legally. This will be beneficial to them. Furthermore, nobody will ask them the source of their money. Still, people send their money through illegal ways, but with persuasion from the State Bank, PRI and scheduled banks, the number of legal remittances are growing gradually. There is also a need to raise awareness among laborers. As they leave Pakistan for jobs, they should always adopt legal ways to send their remittances. The labors are mostly recruited through government agencies or government authorized agencies, but once they go they get trapped by illegal agents there.
Is it possible to offer incentives in air tickets or other travel facilities for the relatives of overseas Pakistanis here?
Exactly, you are right. This should be implemented. The Pakistan government has already issued the card, but most of the people are not aware of these facilities. Such types of incentives are beneficial for the people. I have already discussed this s topic here with different people and they opine that relief should be given to overseas Pakistani in custom duties, or if he is bringing car with him he should be given relaxation in custom duty. In my opinion, depending on the remittance volume, he should be given VIP treatment at Pakistan s airport.
Pakistan receives $14 billion foreign exchange and takes a $6 billion loan from the IMF. Hence overseas Pakistanis should be given more importance and offered lucrative incentives. Isn’t it?
I totally agree with your perception. When we interact with our labor community we offer them gifts, we share their happiness as well. We offer them prizes through raffle draws. Similarly they get some benefits and recognition and I agree with you such benefits should be given at government level as well. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, construction work is booming and they are hiring workers from Pakistan. According to the officials, they have a plan to hire 500,000 more labors. It would enhance the remittance volume in Pakistan. Some important measures need to be taken to encourage labors to make legal remittances.
Are our embassies in the Middle East helpful and what are their initiatives?
First of all, we have to prioritize our objects. Usually, overseas Pakistanis send their remittances from all over the world but a big chunk is received from Middle East. Our embassies help in the matter, but there is much more to be done. On our Independence Day, they hold functions and Pakistanis participate in them. That provides an opportunity to us. Furthermore, when the consulate staff visit labor camps, they can educate our people to send their remittances legally. It would bring some improvement. It is a national cause and every one of us should play our role. In this regard, Philippines can be taken as a role model for us. That country also receives a significant volume of foreign exchange.
You have mentioned the rebate problem. If this problem is not solved how would you be able to achieve your targets?
To resolve this issue, I discussed it with the government authority and urged the State Bank too though the present government has taken some measures to resolve the issue bringing some improvements as well. Our Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has promised to release some more funds for this purpose. This rebate issue is a talk of the town and the disbursement should be in time to expedite foreign exchange.
Why to break the transaction in parts and why the SR25 policy is still valid?
This should be abolished, but the banks have already done a lot of work on it. You can observe yourself. If someone is sending money four times in that way, banks and the State Bank can check him easily. That is not an easy task now.
What are the new products to be introduced in the markets in the near future?
If you observe, banks have same type of products. Two years ago we introduced our main product, which is called Cash Over the Counter (COC). This product has gained significant popularity among the customers. The other products are Account Credit and Account to Account. Another product is Third Party Payment. For example, if someone sends me money and he has an account in another bank, I send that in his particular bank account and it will be credited to his account. With the technological advancement, receiving and paying the amount can be done very promptly. One more is Pardes Card. The State Bank also showed a lot of interest in it. It is like a prepaid card. If someone sends you the money, the card gets loaded up promptly. That card can be utilized at the bank and anywhere else simply like your ATM card. It is free from withholding text, and interest and profit are also offered on it. It is equal to opening your account. Once you receive that card, you don’t need to visit your bank. As someone sends you the money, your card will be loaded up automatically. But I would also explain to you that the card could not gain as much popularity as it should be. I think people still prefer to visit their bank branch for transactions. I reiterate that the people who send remittances must be given more incentives.
Habib Bank to expand remittance business
Habib Bank to expand remittance business
Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha

- ‘Ribbons of giving’ festival features concerts, movies, games for all ages
- Highlights include performance by oud maestro Islam Al-Qasabgy
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is celebrating Eid Al-Adha with three days of activities.
From June 7-9, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 31 events, including music, storytelling, games and workshops, under the theme “ribbons of giving.”
Many of the activities will be in Arabic but are open to all.
Among the highlights will be a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is renowned for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles.
Ithra Cinema, meanwhile, will showcase the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and also screen the Japanese animated fantasy movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service” with Arabic subtitles.
Another screening will be “Saleeq,” a short animated film about a lonely grandmother who faces a flood after a pot of rice boils over.
Among the other festive offerings are a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that revives stories of persistence and generosity echoing across generations.
Entry to the center is free but some events are ticketed. The center will be open from 4-11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations.
KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan

- Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
The organization has distributed 2,290 food baskets and hygiene kits in Sarmada in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 6,870 individuals. This effort is part of the second phase of a project to ease the suffering of Syrian families.
KSrelief in Somalia has distributed 1,200 food baskets to the neediest families in the Baidoa district in Bay region, assisting 7,200 people and supporting food security for vulnerable groups.
KSrelief in Sudan has distributed 825 food baskets to the most needy families in Blue Nile State, helping 3,986 people. This aid forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese population amid the ongoing crisis in the country.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.
Saudi Ministry of Culture launches grant to encourage research on Saudi-Chinese cultural relations

- New initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between Kingdom and China
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Relations Research Grant.
The new initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.
The grant invites researchers to submit proposals that explore the historical, artistic, linguistic and cultural connections between the two countries, especially as political and economic ties between them continue to expand.
The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader efforts to foster knowledge sharing and intercultural dialogue through academic research.
Applicants are encouraged to address themes including history and cultural heritage, performing and visual arts, literature and translation, cultural economy and creative industries, and the role of digital platforms in contemporary cultural exchange.
Selected research will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and will contribute to the enrichment of the field of Saudi-Chinese cultural studies.
Eligible applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or demonstrate a record of scholarly publications. Proposals must be original and submitted through the official grant portal.
The grant cycle will include proposal evaluation, peer-reviewed feedback, and final publication, with the submission deadline on July 15, 2025.
Results will be announced in August 2025, and each grant will cover a one-year research period.
Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025

- Event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia
- Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan took part in a networking event during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Hosted by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, the event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia.
Titled “Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage,” the event at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion brought together global investors, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to explore the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance.
A panel discussion, moderated by cultural researcher Saba Al-Khamis, featured CDF chief credit and investment officer Basil Al-Alola; Darren Barker, founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi artisan design brand Accents.
The fund aims to position culture as a catalyst for global partnerships and investment, sharing success stories and sector-specific opportunities, Al-Alola said in a statement.
The dialogue emphasized culture as an engine for economic diversification and social growth, highlighting CDF’s tailored financing solutions driving the sector’s sustainable expansion.
The event celebrated Saudi artistic heritage through handicraft displays aligned with the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, alongside a performance by Japanese violinist Ikuko Kawai symbolizing Saudi-Japanese cultural collaboration.
“Our participation translates Saudi cultural assets into economic value,” Al-Alola said.
“We’re connecting international investors with local innovators to build a globally integrated cultural economy in line with Vision 2030.”
Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions.
Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival

- Event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through various events
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Film Commission is participating in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival, which is being held in London from June 2-7, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through events such as panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and TV screenings, exhibitions, competitions, and networking opportunities.
As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative, aiming to showcase the Kingdom’s storytelling and promote national talent to international audiences.
It is also organizing a panel called “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore cinema’s role in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a form of soft power.
The commission will highlight the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition at the country’s pavilion featuring films that have sold more than 250,000 tickets, participated in top international festivals, or won global awards — underscoring the growth and international rise of the Saudi film industry.
The commission forms a part of the Saudi pavilion alongside other creative sector entities, including the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, presenting a broad view of the Kingdom’s cultural diversity.
This participation reaffirms the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in cinema.