Overseas Pakistanis sent home $3.59 billion in September 2026, up 12.7 per cent from the same month last year, the State Bank of Pakistan said. For the first three months of the fiscal year, remittances reached $10.9 billion, a rise of 14 per cent.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest source, sending $899 million in September. The United Arab Emirates followed with $749 million, while the United Kingdom sent $515 million and the United States $306 million, according to the central bank.
Why remittances matter
Remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy. They support foreign exchange reserves and help millions of families pay for food, education and health care.
Economists say steady inflows reduce pressure on the rupee and the external account. However, they warn that rising import payments could eat into the gains.
The road ahead
The central bank expects remittances to stay strong in the coming months. Officials said they are working to make formal transfer channels cheaper and faster for workers abroad.
Experts said lower transfer fees and better mobile apps would help more workers use legal channels instead of informal ones. This would bring even more money into the official system, they added.
Families receiving remittances often spend on schooling and small businesses, which supports local economies. Studies show that areas with high remittance inflows see better living standards over time.
The government has praised overseas Pakistanis for their role in the economy. Officials said new incentive schemes are being planned to reward workers who send money through banks and licensed exchange firms.
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