Pakistan records $3.9bn in remittances for October 2026

Overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan totalled $3.9 billion in October 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Tuesday.

Remittances rose 13.8% year-on-year to $3.89 billion from $3.42 billion in October 2025.

Meanwhile, it recorded an 8.5% increase on a month-on-month basis from $3.6 billion in September 2026.

Cumulatively, workers’ remittances increased by 14% to $14.8 billion during Jul-Oct FY27, compared to $13 billion received during the same period last year.

“These sustained inflows are strengthening Pakistan’s foreign exchange position, supporting households and reinforcing external-account stability,” Khurram Schehzad, advisor to the finance minister, commented on social media platform X.

Remittances play a significant role in supporting the country’s external account, stimulating Pakistan’s economic activity, and supplementing the disposable incomes of remittance-dependent households.

Last month, SBP revised its projections for workers’ remittances and foreign exchange reserves upward, reflecting improved inflows and a stronger external account outlook.

Addressing a press conference on the monetary policy decision, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed said that workers’ remittances have remained resilient in the first quarter of this fiscal year (FY27) and are projected to turn out higher than the earlier assessment.

“Workers’ remittances are expected to increase further, with Pakistan’s inflows projected at $45 billion in the current fiscal year, up from the previous estimate of $44 billion,” he added.

Major corridors of workers’ remittances

Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia remitted the largest amount in October 2026, sending $982 million. The amount was up 17% compared to the $838 million sent by the expatriates in the same month last year. The amount was also higher by 9% compared to $899 million in September 2026.

Inflows from the United Arab Emirates rose by 16% on a yearly basis, from $703 million in October 2025 to $816 million in October 2026. On a monthly basis, remittances were up by 9%, from $749 million registered in September 2026.

Remittances from the UK amounted to $592 million in October 2026, up 19% from $499 million in the same month last year.

Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $329 million in October 2026, a 9% increase from $301 million in the same month last year. On a monthly basis, remittances from the US increased by 8% from $306 million in August 2026.

Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries clocked in at $461 million in October 2026, recording a growth of 3% on a monthly basis from $448 million in September 2026.