Prime Minister Imran Khan says his government will provide every possible facilitation to foreign companies for expanding businesses and facilitating overseas Pakistanis sending their hard-earned money back to their homes.

He was talking to a delegation of MoneyGram, headed by its Chief Executive Officer William Alexander Holmes in Islamabad on Monday.

Welcoming the interest evinced by MoneyGram International towards expanding its business in the growing economy of the country, the Prime Minister highlighted significant growth in home remittances, witnessed during current fiscal year, which is expected to further grow in the coming years.

The Prime Minister also highlighted incentive package which is under consideration for attracting greater remittances through formal channels.

William Alexander Holmes informed the Prime Minister that MoneyGram, in line with the vision of the present government, is complementing its efforts towards financial inclusion especially encouraging emigrants to utilize formal channels for safe and speedy transactions.

MoneyGram International Inc. is a globally recognized American money transfer company, which is offering its services at approximately 350,000 agent locations in over 200 countries.

It is actively involved in facilitating overseas Pakistanis, with its 7000 partners across the country, to send their remittances back home, to any bank in Pakistan, in an efficient and easy manner.

Addressing a ceremony in connection with the launch of Clean Green Pakistan Index in Islamabad today, Prime Minister reaffirmed government's commitment to make Pakistan clean and green with the support of masses.

Clean Green Pakistan Index aims at improving overall green and clean outlook of the Pakistani cities by kicking off competition amongst them on various indicators.

Imran Khan said every segment of the society including the administration, the elected representatives and the youth should become part of the clean and green initiative to fight environmental degradation and protect the future of this country.

He said it was due to the participation of the people that we planted one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over a period of five years. Now we will make the entire country green with particular focus on the cities where specific areas will be identified for plantation.

The Prime Minister said the government will gradually increase funds for this campaign.

Imran Khan said an efficient local bodies system is also being introduced in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

This system envisages empowerment of the people at the grassroots level. He said the elected representatives at the village level will also be made part of the regional level competitions on environmental indicators.

Imran Khan said this country is blessed with immense resources including twelve climatic zones, fertile land and natural resources.

He said given the immense beauty of the country, it will be made a destination for tourism.

Addressing the ceremony, Advisor to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said in the first phase of this drive, healthy cleanliness competition will be conducted in 19 cities.

He said students from schools and universities are being engaged in the drive.

The Advisor said the government will recognize and reward those who actively participate.

He said electric vehicles will be introduced to reduce environmental pollution in the country.

The Advisor said the government is planning to prevent the water wastage as thousands of gallons of clean water are being wasted in the sea due to lack of any mechanism.

(NNR, Imran)