Pakistan received $3.53 billion in workers’ remittances during April 2026, marking an 11.4 percent increase compared to the same month last year. This data was released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday, highlighting the continued financial support from overseas Pakistanis.
However, despite the strong annual growth, remittance inflows declined by 7.6 percent compared to March 2026, when $3.83 billion was sent home. Analysts attributed this monthly slowdown to the unusually high transfers made in the months leading up to Eid, as families prepared for increased spending.
In a significant development, the SBP’s figures revealed that total remittances for the first ten months of the fiscal year 2025-26 reached $33.86 billion, an 8 percent rise from the same period last year. This increase underscores the vital role of expatriate Pakistanis in supporting the economy amid ongoing domestic challenges.
Saudi Arabia remained the top source of remittances in April, with Pakistani workers sending back $841.7 million. The United Arab Emirates followed closely with $734.7 million, while other Gulf countries collectively contributed around $325 million. Overall, inflows from Middle Eastern nations totaled nearly $1.9 billion during the month, emphasizing the region’s critical importance in bolstering Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and household incomes.
Financial experts suggest that the steady growth in remittances could help alleviate pressure on Pakistan’s external account balance. The government is targeting a full-year remittance inflow of approximately $41 billion for FY26, up from nearly $38 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year, aiming to strengthen the country’s economic stability.
