Pakistanis sent home about US$3 billion (Dh11bn) last year in a demonstration of their patriotism and the money is going toward controlling extremism as well as benefiting other sectors, according to Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, Jamil Ahmed Khan.
The figure is an improvement on the US$2.2bn remitted in 2011 and the $1.8bn in 2010.
Foreign exchange remittances are playing a key role in the strengthening of Pakistan's economy, the ambassador said.
He also added that Pakistan has suffered losses of more than $80bn through countering terrorism, with loss of 40,000 lives.
It is estimated that Pakistanis in the UAE could send home $3.8bn this year.
[ newsdesk@thenational.ae ]
