Pakistan records $3.5bn in remittances for April 2026

The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.54 billion in April 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Monday.

Remittances decreased by 7.6% on month-on-month basis and registered an increase of 11.4% on year-on-year basis.

Cumulatively, workers’ remittances increased by 8.5% to $33.86 billion during Jul-Apr FY26, compared to $31.21 billion received during the same period last year.

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.

Meanwhile, the government promotes remittances through incentives and formal channels to sustain steady growth and ensure their role in economic stability.

“The external account outlook remains fickle as FY26 approaches closure,” Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global, told Business Recorder.

The analyst noted that with crude oil prices elevated and import momentum likely to persist, the current account faces material pressure that domestic production cannot offset.

“In this context, remittances have transitioned from a supporting buffer to an essential stabiliser. Should inflows weaken, particularly from the GCC region, where concentration risk is acute, the external account could slide into deficit again,” he warned.

FX reserve targets have already been revised down by $1 billion, increasing reliance on external financing. “The margin for error is thin,” he added.

Breakdown of remittances

Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia remitted the largest amount in April 2026, sending $842 million. The amount was up 16% compared to the $725 million sent by the expatriates in the same month last year. However, the amount was lowered by 8% compared to $919 million in March 2026.

Inflows from the United Arab Emirates rose by 13% on a yearly basis, from $653 million in April 2025 to $735 million in April 2026. However, they declined significantly by 11% on a monthly basis.

Remittances from the UK amounted to $564 million during April 2026, down by 4% compared to $587 million in March.

Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $318 million in April, a monthly decrease of 11% from $359 million during March.

Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries clocked in at $432 million in April, recording an increase of 4% on a monthly basis from $414 million in March.