The Biz Update One of Pakistan's Most Reliable Business News Website
Related Articles
KARACHI: Workers’ remittances to Pakistan recorded a strong inflow of $3.5 billion in January 2026, reflecting a 15.4 percent year-on-year increase, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The central bank said the continued growth in remittances is providing crucial support to Pakistan’s external sector and foreign exchange reserves, helping stabilize the economy amid ongoing challenges.
On a cumulative basis, workers’ remittances reached $23.2 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (July–January FY26), marking an 11.3 percent increase compared to $20.9 billion received in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
According to SBP data, the largest inflows in January came from Saudi Arabia ($739.6 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates ($694.2 million), the United Kingdom ($572.1 million), and the United States ($294.7 million).
Economists attribute the sustained rise in remittances to greater use of formal banking channels, relative stability in the exchange rate, and continued overseas employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, particularly in Gulf and Western economies.
Workers’ remittances remain one of Pakistan’s largest sources of foreign exchange, playing a vital role in financing the trade deficit and supporting overall economic stability.
