Overseas Pakistanis Send $3.59bn Home In September 2026
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✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
Pakistan’s external account received a substantial boost as overseas workers’ remittances reached $3.59 billion (commonly reported as $3.6 billion) in September 2026, according to official data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The figures represent a robust 12.7% increase compared to the same month last year, continuing to serve as a crucial pillar for foreign exchange liquidity, household support, and balance-of-payments stability. While inflows recorded a minor month-on-month contraction of 1.9% from August’s $3.66 billion total, the year-on-year expansion highlights the continued strength and resilience of formal remittance channels. Geographically, key Gulf and Western corridors drove the bulk of the inflows: Saudi Arabia retained its position as the single largest contributor, sending $899.1 million up 2.9% month-on-month and 19.7% higher than September 2025. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked second with $748.5 million (led heavily by Dubai at $617.5 million and Abu Dhabi at $104.5 million), registering a 10.5% jump year-on-year.
Pakistan received $3.59 billion in workers’ remittances in September 2026, marking a 12.7% increase year-on-year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). However, inflows declined 1.9% compared with August, when overseas Pakistanis sent $3.66 billion.
The latest figures show that remittances continued to provide support to Pakistan’s external account, despite a slight monthly decline. These inflows are an important source of foreign exchange and help finance imports, strengthen household incomes and support the country’s balance of payments.
Major Remittance Corridors and Contributions
Saudi Arabia remained Pakistan’s largest source of remittances in September, contributing $899.1 million. This represented a 2.9% increase from August and a 19.7% rise compared with September 2025.
The United Arab Emirates ranked second, with inflows of $748.5 million, down slightly from August but 10.5% higher than a year earlier. Dubai accounted for $617.5 million of the UAE’s total, followed by Abu Dhabi at $104.5 million.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis remain a key source of foreign currency for the country, helping meet external financing needs and supporting consumption among households that depend on money sent by family members working abroad.
Trend Analysis and Economic Resilience
The year-on-year increase indicates that formal remittance channels continued to record stronger inflows than a year earlier. However, the month-on-month decline suggests that remittance receipts can fluctuate with seasonal patterns, workers’ earnings and transfer timing.
Sustained growth in remittances will remain important for Pakistan’s economic stability, particularly as the country seeks to maintain foreign exchange liquidity and manage external payment obligations.
