Workers’ remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis rose by 14 per cent during the first quarter of FY27 compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday.
Total inflows during the July-September period reached $10.9 billion, up from the $9.5 billion recorded during the first quarter of the preceding fiscal year. The sustained expansion in inflows could support official efforts to achieve the government’s annual remittance target of $44 billion for FY27.
September Inflows and Monthly Trends
Despite the broader quarterly increase, monthly remittance receipts registered a slight decline in September compared with August. Total inflows for the month settled at $3.6 billion, representing a month-on-month decrease of 1.9 per cent.
“Workers’ remittances were recorded at $3.6 billion during September 2026. In terms of growth, remittances increased by 12.7pc on a year-on-year basis and decreased by 1.9pc on a month-on-month basis,” the SBP stated.
Country-Wise Contributions
Saudi Arabia retained its standing as the single largest contributor of workers’ remittances to Pakistan, with expatriates sending $2.686 billion during the period under review.
Among major source countries, the United Kingdom recorded the fastest rate of expansion, with remittance inflows climbing by 19.4 per cent.
The sustained momentum from the Middle East came even as regional tensions raised concerns. A seven-month Gulf war did not appear to have significantly dented worker inflows, despite earlier anxieties regarding potential disruptions. Millions of Pakistani nationals work across Gulf nations, and their money transfers continue to provide critical financial support to the domestic economy.
Remittances Outpace Export Receipts
The latest figures also underline the ongoing reliance of the national economy on expatriate inflows, which continue to surpass total export earnings.
While the government maintains that it has implemented supportive measures and incentives for the export community, industry leaders dispute that stance. Exporters contend that excessive taxation has continued to weaken the domestic export sector, leaving the country heavily dependent on the earnings sent home by its overseas workforce.
