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Naqvi Calls on Businessmen to Bring Back ‘20-30pc’ of Wealth to Pakistan

Naqvi Calls on Businessmen to Bring Back ‘20-30pc’ of Wealth to Pakistan

From Dawn · (1d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged the business community to repatriate 20-30% of their wealth before the upcoming budget.
  • Naqvi promised government facilitation and suggested this move would encourage further supportive measures.
  • A proposal for a separate passport for genuine businessmen to ease international travel is also being considered.

In a significant appeal ahead of the national budget, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called upon Pakistan's business community to demonstrate their commitment to the nation by repatriating a portion of their overseas wealth. Speaking at the Federation House in Karachi, Naqvi urged businessmen to bring back "20-30 per cent" of their wealth within the next three months, framing it as a crucial gesture of goodwill.

at least give this one gesture over the next three months, before the budget and then see what happens.

— Mohsin NaqviUrging the business community to repatriate wealth.

Naqvi assured the business community of government facilitation, emphasizing that this repatriation is not a complex process and can be done online. He suggested that such a move, potentially amounting to $10 billion, would not only be beneficial for the country's economy but would also compel the government to reciprocate with further measures in the interest of the business sector. This initiative aims to bolster foreign exchange reserves and stimulate domestic investment.

So, before the budget, bring back $10 billion … This is easily possible.

— Mohsin NaqviSpecifying the amount of wealth repatriation expected.

Furthermore, the minister revealed that a proposal for a special passport for "genuine businessmen" is under consideration. This initiative aims to streamline international travel for entrepreneurs facing visa hurdles, particularly to countries like China, the US, Europe, and the UK. The proposed passport would be issued after thorough verification, ensuring its holders are recognized as legitimate business figures and potentially granting them access to dedicated airport counters. This measure, if approved, is expected to significantly satisfy and support the business community.

We have almost prepared a proposal … which will be taken to the prime minister soon.

— Mohsin NaqviRegarding the proposal for a separate passport for businessmen.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.