Prime Minister thanks overseas Pakistanis after workers’ remittances reach a record high, strengthening the country’s external sector.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistanis after workers’ remittances reached a record $41.6 billion during FY2025-26, describing the milestone as a testament to their confidence in the government’s economic policies.
In a statement, the prime minister thanked expatriate Pakistanis for sending $41.6 billion in remittances during the fiscal year, marking the highest annual inflow in the country’s history.
He said the 8.6 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year reflected the trust of overseas Pakistanis in the government’s economic management and reform agenda.
Calling overseas Pakistanis a valuable national asset, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the entire nation was proud of their contribution and assured them that their welfare would remain among the government’s highest priorities.
June remittances remain strong
According to research based on State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, workers’ remittances amounted to $3.48 billion in June 2026, down 18 percent from the exceptionally strong level recorded in May, largely due to a high base created by increased transfers during the festive season.
Despite the month-on-month decline, June remittances were 2 per cent higher than the corresponding month last year.
Total inflows for FY2025-26 reached $41.59 billion, compared with $38.30 billion in FY2024-25, representing annual growth of around 9 per cent.
Saudi Arabia remains the largest source
Saudi Arabia continued to be Pakistan’s largest source of workers’ remittances during June, with inflows of $830 million, slightly above the $823 million received in the same month of the previous year.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked second with $792 million, reflecting a 10 per cent year-on-year increase.
The United Kingdom contributed $515 million, while remittances from the United States totalled $297 million.
Meanwhile, remittances from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries amounted to $321 million, while transfers from the European Union reached $415 million during the month.
Annual remittances by major source countries
During FY2025-26, remittances from Pakistan’s major overseas labour markets were as follows:
• Saudi Arabia: $9.78 billion (up 5 per cent)
• United Arab Emirates: $8.81 billion (up 12 per cent)
• United Kingdom: $6.33 billion (up 7 per cent)
• United States: $3.62 billion (down 3 per cent)
• European Union: $5.23 billion (up 15 per cent)
• Other countries: $3.88 billion (up 20 per cent)
Positive outlook for external sector
Analysts said the record level of remittances would continue to strengthen Pakistan’s external account by supporting foreign exchange reserves and easing pressure on the balance of payments.
They noted that the decline in June remittances compared with May reflected seasonal factors following unusually strong festive inflows rather than a weakening trend.
The record annual inflows, they added, underscore the continued confidence of overseas Pakistanis in formal banking channels and their vital contribution to Pakistan’s economic stability.