The lifeline of Pakistan’s economy: money sent home by overseas Pakistanis. Remittances hit $30.3 billion in FY2025-26, with a record $4.25 billion in a single month. Here’s why they matter and where they come from.
Quick answer: Pakistan received $30.3 billion in remittances in FY2025-26 (+8.2%), including a record $4.25 billion in May 2026. The previous year saw $38 billion (+30.9%). Remittances are Pakistan’s largest source of foreign exchange — bigger than exports — and the key reason the current account is in surplus.
In this guide
The Numbers
| Fiscal year | Remittances | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | $38.0b | +30.9% |
| 2025-26 | $30.3b | +8.2% |
May 2026 set the all-time monthly record: $4.25 billion in a single month.
Why They Matter
- Largest forex source — bigger than merchandise exports.
- Current-account surplus: $72m (Jul–Mar FY26); $1.9b in FY25 — both built on remittance strength.
- Reserve support: total reserves $21.8b.
- Household lifeline: millions of families depend on monthly transfers for consumption, education and housing.
Where They Come From
The biggest corridors are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and the US — home to the largest overseas Pakistani communities. The State Bank’s incentive schemes for formal-channel transfers have helped shift flows from informal hawala networks to banks and exchange companies (SBP ended some incentive schemes from July 2026 as flows formalised).
More: survey guide · 2025-26 survey · GDP growth trend.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much remittances did Pakistan receive in 2026?
$30.3 billion in FY2025-26 (+8.2%), including a record $4.25 billion in May 2026 alone.
Which countries send the most remittances to Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and the US — home to the largest overseas Pakistani communities.
Why are remittances important for Pakistan?
They are Pakistan’s largest source of foreign exchange — bigger than exports — and the main reason the current account is in surplus.
