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

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday, Pakistan witnessed a substantial influx of remittances from overseas workers, reaching $4.1 billion in March 2025. This marks the first instance of surpassing the $4 billion threshold.

Remittances exhibited a notable surge of 37% compared to the $2.95 billion recorded in the corresponding month of the preceding year. Moreover, on a month-over-month basis, remittances demonstrated a 30% increase from the $3.12 billion reported in February.

The cumulative figure for the Jul-Mar period of FY25 reveals that workers’ remittances amounted to $28 billion, representing a significant 33.2% rise compared to the $21.04 billion received during the Jul-Mar period of FY24.

Inward remittances from abroad play a crucial role in bolstering the nation’s external accounts, energizing economic activities, and augmenting the disposable income of families reliant on these funds.

According to Wagas Ghani, Deputy Head of Research at JS Global, the record-breaking remittances are fueled by increased confidence in the Pakistani Rupee’s stability, which stems from a reduced disparity between interbank and open market exchange rates.

Ghani attributed this stability to more stringent regulations governing foreign exchange. He further noted that an upswing in immigration, notably to Gulf countries, has contributed to higher remittance inflows.

However, some experts have cautioned that this upward trajectory might not persist in the months ahead.

Sana Tawfik, Head of Research at Arif Habib Limited, anticipates a normalization to around $3-3.2 billion.

Tawfik projects that Pakistan’s current account will likely register a surplus of approximately $700-900 million in March, buoyed by the record-setting inflows.

Remittance Breakdown
  • Overseas Pakistanis residing in Saudi Arabia contributed the most significant portion of remittances in March 2025, totaling $987.3 million. This amount reflects a 33% increase on a monthly basis and is 40% higher than the $703.1 million sent during the same month last year.
  • Inflows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced a 28% monthly increase, climbing from $657.1 million in February to $842.1 million in March. Year-over-year, remittances from the UAE soared by almost 54% compared to the $548.5 million reported in the corresponding month of the previous year.
  • Remittances originating from the United Kingdom reached $683.9 million during the month, marking a 38% increase from the $496.5 million recorded in February 2025. Year-over-year inflows from the UK exhibited a 48% improvement.
  • Overseas Pakistanis in the US remitted $419.5 million in March 2025, representing a 35% increase compared to the previous month.
PM Lauds Record Remittances

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced his satisfaction with the unprecedented achievement.

According to the PM, the record level of remittances demonstrates overseas Pakistanis’ faith in government policies.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a statement highlighting that overseas Pakistanis not only enhance the country’s reputation through their hard work abroad but also bolster the national economy through their remittances.

The prime minister affirmed the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to overseas Pakistanis.