ISLAMABAD, JAN 27: /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired another meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on IT Export Remittances today at the Finance Division. The meeting focused on reviewing the preliminary findings of the working group and formulating next steps to enhance the flow of IT export remittances.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for IT & Telecom Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Secretary IT, Special Secretary IT, CEO Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and senior officers from the Finance Division and IT Ministry.
The Finance Minister appreciated the working group’s preliminary report and proposed expanding its scope by including representatives from the Pakistan Banking Association as well. To streamline efforts, the committee decided to form two sub-working groups dedicated to Taxation and Banking, which will work towards resolving key barriers and simplifying remittance processes for IT exporters and freelancers.
The Finance Minister underscored that currency stability has played a pivotal role in enhancing remittances and stressed the importance of policy continuity and consistency. He emphasized the need to counter misconceptions about restrictions on companies’ financial operations, noting that there are no limitations on transferring money in or out of the country. Bridging this perception gap through targeted communication and awareness campaigns was highlighted as a priority.
The committee also discussed incentivizing IT companies based on their performance to encourage growth and competitiveness. Leveraging tools like the Roshan Digital Account and creating domestic payment solutions for global remittance facilitation were reiterated as vital measures to empower IT professionals and freelancers.
Participants decided that the sub-working groups would submit a consolidated report in the next meeting, with the final comprehensive report to be presented to the Prime Minister by the end of March 2025.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Finance Minister urged all stakeholders to work collectively, address challenges, and establish Pakistan as a leading player in the global IT export industry.
