ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan reported on Monday that overseas Pakistanis sent $3.53 billion in remittances during April 2026, reflecting an 11.4 percent increase compared to the same month last year. The latest figures highlighted continued growth in foreign inflows despite a monthly slowdown after elevated transfers in previous months.
However, workers’ remittances declined by 7.6 percent on a month-on-month basis. Pakistan had received $3.83 billion in March 2026, largely driven by higher Eid-related transfers and seasonal inflows from overseas workers.
Saudi Arabia leads remittance inflows
According to the central bank, cumulative remittances during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2026 reached $33.86 billion. This represented an 8 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest contributor during April, as overseas Pakistanis residing in the kingdom remitted $841.7 million. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates ranked second with inflows of $734.7 million.
The SBP data further showed that remittances from other Gulf Cooperation Council countries totaled $325 million during the month. Overall inflows from Middle Eastern countries reached nearly $1.9 billion, reinforcing the region’s importance for Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.
Analysts expect steady annual growth
Economic analysts stated that the annual growth trend in remittances remained encouraging despite the monthly decline recorded in April. They explained that remittance inflows had surged in recent months because overseas Pakistanis sent additional funds during the Eid season.
Experts also noted that stable labor demand in Gulf countries continues to support Pakistan’s remittance performance. Furthermore, stronger inflows help ease pressure on the country’s external account and foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan aims to achieve nearly $41 billion in remittances by the end of FY26, compared to $38 billion recorded during FY25.
