Latest central bank data reveals significant outflows in foreign direct and portfolio investments during the first quarter of the fiscal year.
KARACHI: Foreign investors repatriated a total of $864.3 million in profits and dividends from Pakistan during the first quarter (July–September) of the fiscal year 2027 (1QFY27), according to official data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
This figure marks an increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year (1QFY26), during which total repatriation stood at $802.7 million.
Breakdown of Outflows
According to the provisional figures compiled by the Statistics and Data Services Department of the central bank, the vast majority of the outflows originated from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• FDI Repatriation: Outflows on account of FDI reached $844.4 million during July–September FY27, up from $785.6 million in the same period last year.
• FPI Payments: Payments on Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) accounted for $20.0 million during the quarter, compared to $17.1 million recorded in 1QFY26.
Major Contributing Countries
A country-wise review of the data highlights that several key nations accounted for the largest shares of profit and dividend outflows:
• China: Remained the largest source of outward remittance, with total outflows reaching $315.1 million in 1QFY27, compared to $205.6 million in 1QFY26.
• United Kingdom: Followed closely with total repatriations of $188.5 million, slightly down from $213.2 million during the same timeframe last year.
• Netherlands: Recorded substantial outflows amounting to $113.5 million, up from $92.3 million previously.
• United States: Noted total repatriations of $55.7 million, compared to $68.6 million in 1QFY26.
• Switzerland and United Arab Emirates: Registered outflows of $32.5 million and $29.0 million respectively.
The data reflects continued corporate earnings remittance by multinational firms operating across key sectors of Pakistan’s economy as foreign businesses resume regular profit transfers amidst evolving macroeconomic conditions.