How Imran Khan of Pakistan loses war on money translations against the government | Imran Khan News

Islamabad, Pakistan – Last December, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan issued an incredible threat to the country's government: after spending more than 15 months behind bars about what he called “politically motivated accusations” and after many unsuccessful protests, he warned he would begin A civil disobedience.

“As part of the movement, we will call on Pakistanis overseas Pakistanis to restrict money transfers and launch a boycott campaign,” read a message posted in his X.

With uncertainly balanced economy, the country is seeking new loans and turning debt from key allies such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and China, excluding the Pakistanis Money Translation Valve, the theory can lead the government to the knees.

Be careful with this call, 28-year-old Mohammed Wasim, a dedicated supporter of Pakistan Party Techrek-E-Inch of Khan, who works in Doha, Qatar, called by phone His family in Punjab, Pakistan, to tell them that he will temporarily stop the monthly contributions for money he sends them after moving to the Middle East last August.

“I WAS SENDING CLOSE TO 4,000 QATARI RIYALS (300,000 PAKISTANI RUPEES OR $ 1,096) EVERY MONTH TO SUPORT MY FAMILY, EM TOLD AL Jazeera.

Washeim, Barber by profession, said he plans to save money and rely on his bigger brothers who run a milky business in Rahim Yar Khan, a city in the South Pendjab to support the family for some time.

“But I think I will have to resume to send them some money next month because my brothers asked me to help,” he added, although he said he plans to send less money than before.

Wasim is far from being alone in his unwillingness to stop sending money home, despite his initial enthusiasm.

Khan, who was Prime Minister of Pakistan from August 2018 to April 2022, when he was overthrown through a parliamentary vote of without confidence, is known to enjoy widespread support among the diaspora of the country, from the Middle East to the North America.

But despite Khan's request to suspend cash transfer, the latest data from the Pakistani Central Bank suggest that the country's cash transfers, a key pillar of its economy, increased by 25 percent in January compared to the same month in 2024.

According to data published by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), overseas Pakistanis sent over $ 3 billion in cash in January. This marks the second consecutive month that cash transfers exceeded the $ 3 billion brand.

Han, suggesting numbers, may lose the battle to use cash transfers as a weapon against the government.

In fact, in 2024, Pakistan received the highest annual amount of money transfers in its history, reaching $ 34.1 billion, which is 32 percent since 2023, when Pakistanis abroad sent $ 25.7 billion home.

Ahmed Cabeer, originally from Lower Dir in the northwestern province of Hiber Pahtunva, and now works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, explained that it is not a matter of political preference for him to Pakistan.

Cabeer has recently moved to Saudi Arabia to join the two brothers who have been living there for the last seven years.

“The only reason to leave our families is to make money for them and send them back. We have no land, enterprises or other revenue. That's why my brothers moved here and now I followed their footsteps, “Cabeer told Al Jazeera.

Recently, a graduate of the University of Swat, Cabeer is looking for job opportunities in both Riyadh and Jeddah to avoid a burden for their brothers who work as workers.

“They work 12-hour shifts and collectively send back between 2000 to 3000 Saudi rials (150,000-225 000 Pakistani rupees or $ 533- $ 800) every month. Just because of their money I was able to study at university, “he added.

The fifth of 12 siblings, Kabeer is also a PTI supporter and sympathizes with Khan's call to limit money. However, he says that when he is confronted with the choice between support of Khan or his family, “is not a choice at all.”

“It's easy to want to stop sending money. We are here for our families and if we do not support them, why are we here at all? It is about our siblings, our parents, our children; We have to send the money home, “he said. “If I tell my mother that I can't send her money because Han asked me not to do it, she would probably tell me to go to jail with him,” he added, laughing.

Raja Babar Sarvar, owner of a restaurant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, echoed similar moods. He has lived in Jedda since 2011, with his son -in -law.

Three father, Sarvar, who was native to Peshawar, said his only reason for working abroad was to secure his family and guarantee their well -being.

“I really don't care about politics or what a leader says. We are not here to make politics, we are here to win, “Sarvar told Al Jazeera.

Managing a restaurant serving Pakistani cuisine of a diverse clientele, Sarwar works staff of eight to 10 people, all from different parts of Pakistan.

“I know from the fact that each of my workers sends everywhere between 1500 to 2000 SAR (110,000-150,000 Pakistani rupees or 400- $ 533) at home. My father -in -law and I send about 4000 SAR (300,000 Pakistani rupees or $ 1,066) to our families every month, “he said.

Sajid Amin Javet, a senior economist at the SDPI Institute for Sustainable Development (SDPI) in Islamabad, suggested that none of this was surprising.

Most money translations sent by Pakistani overseas, especially those in the Gulf countries, are intended to support vulnerable families at home, he said.

“The money sent by Pakistani citizens at home are essentially involuntary. They must send it to cover their household costs. By prohibiting a few exceptions, they have no choice on the matter, “Javd told Al Jazeera.

However, Javd pointed out additional factors behind the recent leap of money transfer.

“After the rupee is evaluated against the US dollar last year and with an already stable currency rate, the Pakistanis abroad must send more money to respond to the expenses of their families,” he explained.

The Pakistani Rupia, which was the worst of Asia's currency to the US dollar, depreciated by over 60 percent between 2022 and 2024, is now stabilizing between 278 and 280 Rupees for the US Dollar in the last 12 months.

With the imposition of strict controls and reduction of channels for illegal money transfers, increased confidence in official banking systems also led to larger flows of money transfer, the economist stressed.

“The nature of Pakistani money transfers is inelastic for political stories as they are guided by the needs of household consumption. While some people, especially strong supporters, can follow the advice of their leader, the bigger part of the Pakistani senders have no choice but to continue to support their families, “Javd said.