Pakistan’s Remittances Soar to Record $4.1 Billion in March 2025

According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released on Monday, Pakistan witnessed an unprecedented surge in remittances from overseas workers, reaching $4.1 billion in March 2025. This marks the first instance of remittances exceeding the $4 billion threshold.

The latest figures represent a substantial 37% increase compared to the $2.95 billion recorded in the corresponding month of the previous year. Furthermore, on a month-over-month basis, remittances exhibited a growth of 30% from the $3.12 billion reported in February.

Cumulatively, during the period from July 2024 to March 2025 (FY25), workers’ remittances totaled $28 billion, reflecting a notable 33.2% rise compared to the $21.04 billion received during the same period in FY24.

Inward remittances from overseas workers play a crucial role in bolstering the nation’s external account, fostering economic activities, and augmenting the disposable incomes of families dependent on these funds.

Wagas Ghani, the Deputy Head of Research at JS Global, commented that the record remittances reflect increased confidence in the stability of the Pakistani Rupee. This confidence arises from a reduced disparity between interbank and open market exchange rates.

He attributed this stability to stricter regulations governing foreign exchange. Moreover, he noted that the recent increase in immigration, particularly to Gulf countries, has further fueled the growth in remittance inflows.

However, some experts have cautioned that the current momentum may not persist in the coming months.

Sana Tawfik, Head of Research at Arif Habib Limited, suggested that the current level is unlikely to be sustained and is expected to normalize to around $3-3.2 billion.

She also projected that Pakistan’s current account is likely to register a surplus of approximately $700-900 million in March as a result of the record inflows.

Remittance Breakdown:
  • Saudi Arabia: Overseas Pakistanis remitted $987.3 million in March 2025, up 33% MoM and 40% YoY.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Inflows rose by 28% MoM to $842.1 million in March, and nearly 54% YoY.
  • United Kingdom: Remittances totaled $683.9 million, a 38% increase MoM and 48% YoY.
  • United States: Overseas Pakistanis sent $419.5 million in March 2025, marking a 35% MoM increase.
PM’s Reaction:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the record-breaking remittances, stating that they mirror the trust of overseas Pakistanis in the government’s policies.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier acknowledged that overseas Pakistanis not only bring honor to the nation through their hard work abroad but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy through their remittances.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive support and facilities to overseas Pakistanis.