Islamabad (HRNW): According to the latest figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), a significant increase has been recorded in workers’ remittances during the first seven months of the fiscal year 2025–26. From July to January 2026, total remittances reached $23.2 billion, compared to $20.9 billion during the same period last year.
In January 2026 alone, overseas Pakistanis sent $3.47 billion, marking an impressive 15 percent increase compared to January last year. The State Bank expects total remittances to reach a historic level of $42 billion by the end of the current fiscal year.
The highest inflows were received from Saudi Arabia ($740 million), United Arab Emirates ($700 million), United Kingdom ($570 million), and the United States ($300 million).
The SBP report noted an overall 11 percent increase in remittances from July to January. On a month-on-month basis, remittances in January showed a slight 4 percent decline compared to December; however, the 15 percent year-on-year growth compared to January last year is considered encouraging.
Experts say Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to serve as major pillars of Pakistan’s economy, with overseas workers’ earnings playing a crucial role in supporting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Furthermore, following the elimination of the gap between open market and interbank exchange rates, citizens are increasingly using formal channels such as banks and exchange companies. Government and State Bank initiatives, including the “Sohni Dharti Remittance Program” and the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), have also contributed significantly to this rise in remittances.
