Karachi: The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at USD 3.2 billion in September 2025, reflecting an increase of 11.3% year-on-year (YoY) compared to USD 2.9 billion in the same month last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday.
On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, remittances rose slightly by 1%, compared to USD 3.1 billion recorded in August. During the first three months of the current fiscal year (3MFY26), total remittance inflows amounted to USD 9.5 billion — up 8.4% from USD 8.8 billion received in the corresponding period of FY25.
Remittances continue to play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s external account, stimulating domestic economic activity, and supplementing household incomes.
Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said the government expects remittances to surpass USD 41 billion in FY26, up from USD 38.3 billion last fiscal year. “Remittances serve as a lifeline for millions of households and a source of stability for Pakistan’s external accounts,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that the consistent increase in inflows reflects confidence in Pakistan’s remittance channels and the resilience of overseas Pakistanis.
According to the SBP, the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), launched in 2009, has expanded formal remittance channels from around 25 financial institutions (FIs) to more than 50 in 2024. The number of international entities linked to the PRI network has also grown from about 45 in 2009 to nearly 400 at present.
Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia sent the highest amount, remitting USD 751 million in September — a 10% YoY increase and a 2% rise from the previous month. Inflows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose 7% YoY to USD 677 million, up from USD 563 million a year earlier.
Remittances from the United Kingdom (UK) stood at USD 455 million, down 2% from August but 7% higher year-on-year. Inflows from the United States (US) amounted to USD 269 million, showing a 3% YoY decline.
Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries totaled USD 424 million during September.
The SBP noted that the sustained increase in inflows through formal channels reflects the success of digital payment infrastructure and policy measures encouraging legal remittance transfers.
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