Karachi, March 25, 2026 – Foreign investors operating in Pakistan repatriated around $1.73 billion in profits and dividends during the first eight months (July–February) of fiscal year 2025–26, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The latest figures show a 10% increase compared to $1.56 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, indicating a rise in foreign earnings and steady outflows of returns on investments.
Breakdown of the data reveals that repatriation against foreign direct investment (FDI) climbed to $1.67 billion during 8MFY26, up from $1.50 billion a year earlier. In contrast, repatriation under foreign portfolio investment (FPI) slightly declined to $60.3 million, compared to $64.7 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
Market analysts attribute the increase in profit repatriation to improved profitability of foreign-owned businesses, alongside relatively liberal policies implemented by the SBP to facilitate cross-border fund transfers and attract continued foreign investment.
Sector-wise data indicates that the power sector led profit repatriation with $422 million, followed by financial institutions at $374 million. Other notable contributions included the communication sector with $132 million and the food sector with $142 million.
The trend highlights sustained foreign investment activity across key sectors of Pakistan’s economy, despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures and external account challenges.