In February 2026, Pakistan witnessed its largest inflow of workers’ remittances from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), solidifying the Gulf nation’s position as the top contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings for that month. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed that overseas Pakistanis sent a substantial $696.24 million from the UAE, surpassing all other countries in remittance volumes. This highlights the strong economic ties and the significant Pakistani expatriate community residing in the UAE, which continues to play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s economy.
Close behind the UAE, Saudi Arabia remained a major source of remittances, with $685.50 million transferred to Pakistan during the same period. The steady flow of funds from these Gulf countries underscores their importance as key destinations for Pakistani workers and the vital role they play in sustaining household incomes back home. These remittances not only help families meet daily expenses but also contribute to the country’s overall economic stability.
Overall, Pakistan’s total remittances for February 2026 reached $3.29 billion, reflecting a 5.2 percent increase compared to the same month last year when the inflows stood at $3.12 billion. While there was a slight dip compared to January 2026’s $3.46 billion, the year-on-year growth trend remains positive, indicating resilience in remittance flows despite global economic uncertainties. This steady rise is a promising sign for Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and balance of payments.
During the first eight months of the current fiscal year, spanning from July 2025 to February 2026, total remittances surged to $26.49 billion. This marks a notable 10.5 percent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting the growing contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy. The continuous upward trajectory of remittances is crucial, especially as Pakistan navigates various economic challenges and seeks to stabilize its financial position.
Other significant sources of remittances in February included the United Kingdom and the United States, which contributed $532.03 million and $319.46 million respectively. These figures highlight the diverse geographic spread of the Pakistani diaspora and their ongoing commitment to supporting families and communities back home through financial transfers.
It is worth noting that remittances have consistently been a lifeline for Pakistan, providing a steady stream of foreign currency that helps bridge the gap in the country’s current account deficit. Earlier in the year, January 2026 saw remittances climb to $3.5 billion, marking a substantial 15.4 percent increase compared to January 2025. During the first seven months of the fiscal year, remittances rose by 11.3 percent to reach $23.2 billion, compared to $20.9 billion over the same period last year.
In January, Saudi Arabia led as the top remittance source with $739.6 million, followed closely by the UAE with $694.2 million. The United Kingdom and United States also contributed significantly, with inflows of $572.1 million and $294.7 million respectively. These figures reflect the sustained economic engagement of Pakistan’s expatriate communities worldwide and their vital role in bolstering the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
As Pakistan continues to rely heavily on remittances to support its economy, the inflows from Gulf countries and Western nations remain indispensable. These funds not only assist millions of families in managing their daily needs but also provide the government with much-needed foreign currency to stabilize the economy amid fluctuating global markets. The data from February 2026 reaffirms the importance of maintaining strong ties with the Pakistani diaspora and creating favorable conditions for them to send money home efficiently.
