KARACHI: In a landmark feat, overseas Pakistanis transferred a record-high amount of remittances worth US$ 4.251 billion in May 2026, the highest ever recorded monthly transfer in the economic history of Pakistan, according to information provided by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The most recent figures have served to confirm that the contributions made by overseas Pakistanis to the country’s economy are becoming increasingly significant, and now there is hope that the country will receive annual worker remittances exceeding $41 billion.
The incoming flow of foreign currency in May was 20.2 percent higher than that of April 2026. The increase was 15.4 percent more compared to the same period of the previous year. This huge increase is extremely important for Pakistan as they aim at building up their foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan Remittances Reach Historic High
The record-breaking performance helped raise the total amount of remittances made from January to November of FY26 to $38.1 billion, up from $34.9 billion recorded in the corresponding months last fiscal year. The 9.2 percent rise is quite positive and healthy.
Also Read: Economy Gets Massive Lifeline as Overseas Pakistanis Send Record $34 Billion in Remittances
Economists have noted that the flow of remittances is a very dependable source of foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan. These help finance imports as well as meet the balance of payment needs of Pakistan.
Pakistani expatriates have been actively motivated by the government to send their foreign earnings via banking systems using digital modes of payment. Such efforts have helped contribute towards remittance inflows despite the global economic instability.
Saudi Arabia Maintains Top Position
Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia remained Pakistan’s highest single-country remittances generator in the month of May.
Overseas workers remitted $1.025 billion to their home country during the month of May. This was 12% higher than $914 million remitted by the overseas Pakistanis in May 2025 and was up by 22% against $842 million remitted in April 2026.
This outstanding figure is the result of the substantial number of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia.
UAE Surpasses the $1 Billion Remittance Threshold
Following Pakistan’s second position in the list is the United Arab Emirates, whose remittance inflow reached $1.007 billion in the month of May. Remittances from the UAE soared by 33% in comparison to the $754 million witnessed last year and increased by 37% on a month-to-month basis. The high increase reflects the importance of the contribution of Pakistanis living in the Emirates.
Also Read: Pakistan Records $1.07 Billion Current Account Surplus in March 2026
The remittance flow from Pakistan living in the UK amounted to $645 million in May, which was higher than the amount in April by $564 million, indicating the trust in the official channels for sending money.
US remittances stood at $350 million, marking a 10% rise from the previous month’s amount of $317 million. Moreover, the money flow from the EU countries witnessed an 8% increase, reaching $466 million in May from $432 million in April.
Pakistan Remittances on Track for New Annual Record
The May remittances have been termed a landmark success by the Finance Advisor Khurram Schehzad who further pointed out that Pakistan is well on track for achieving the milestone of surpassing $41 billion in annual remittances.
The increasing trend of remittances can provide much-needed aid to the external balance of the Pakistani economy, thus contributing towards economic stability for the country that needs to grow sustainably while earning more investor trust.
With just one month remaining in FY26, overseas Pakistanis appear set to deliver another milestone year for remittance inflows.
