PM Honors Overseas Investors with Civil Awards

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations and acknowledging the invaluable contribution of overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced civil awards for those expatriates who choose to invest in the country.

This decision is being widely seen as a step to not only boost foreign direct investment (FDI) but also reconnect the diaspora with national growth. The announcement was made during a high-profile meeting with business delegates and expatriate investors in Islamabad.

• Civil Awards for Overseas Pakistanis who invest in Pakistan

• Aimed to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• Recognition for economic contribution and patriotism

• Facilitation desks and fast-track services promised

• Targeting Pakistanis from the UAE, UK, USA, and  Gulf countries

• Investment-friendly initiatives coming in real estate, IT, and energy

Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep admiration for the patriotic spirit of overseas Pakistanis, saying:

“Those who send their hard-earned money back home and invest in our industries deserve more than just words—they deserve recognition.”

He emphasized that this initiative will not only boost the confidence of the expat community but also create a ripple effect to attract further investment from global Pakistani entrepreneurs.

The government will now officially recognize overseas Pakistanis contributing to the nation’s economy with state-level civil honors. These awards may include:

• Sitara-e-Imtiaz

• Tamgha-e-Imtiaz

• Presidential Pride of Performance

Only those investors who bring legal, documented investments and contribute positively to sectors like technology, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and education will be eligible.

PM Shehbaz specifically mentioned several high-potential sectors, opening doors for overseas Pakistanis:

• Information Technology (IT) & Tech Startups

• Renewable Energy Projects

• Real Estate & Housing Schemes

• Export-Oriented Manufacturing

• Education and Healthcare Infrastructure

To complement this civil award initiative, the PM announced:

• Fast-track investment desks

• One-window operations to simplify red tape

• Digital platforms to monitor and support investments remotely

• Special investment cells for overseas Pakistanis in major embassies

This streamlining is designed to ease bureaucratic hurdles and protect investor interests.

According to recent data from the State Bank of Pakistan:

• Overseas remittances total over $30 billion annually

• However, actual investment from expats remains low compared to remittances

This initiative hopes to convert remittances into long-term economic partnerships, giving expats a bigger stake in national development.

Many political analysts have described the initiative as “strategically smart,” especially at a time when Pakistan faces economic challenges and a need to diversify revenue sources. It sends a strong signal to the world that Pakistan is open for business.

“Rewarding economic patriotism through civil awards can transform the investor climate in Pakistan,” said analyst Ayesha Khan.

This bold initiative by PM Shehbaz Sharif aims to turn Pakistanis abroad into economic ambassadors. By recognizing and rewarding their investments, Pakistan hopes to create a strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth model.

This is not just an award—it’s a call to action for millions of Pakistanis abroad to reconnect with their homeland and take part in its economic transformation.