Pakistan received $3.7 billion in workers’ remittances in May 2025, marking a 16 per cent jump from the previous month and a 13.7 per cent rise compared to May last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday.
The monthly inflow is among the highest on record, driven by a surge in remittances from the Gulf region ahead of Eid-related spending.
Between July and May of the current fiscal year (FY25), total remittances reached $34.9 billion, up nearly 29 per cent from $27.1 billion in the same period of FY24. The strong inflows have helped strengthen the country’s external position and supported household consumption at a time of economic strain.
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad said in April that continued strength in remittances was expected to keep the current account in surplus through the end of FY25. “This is the best performance on the external account in the last two decades,” he said at the time.
Gulf remains top source of inflows
Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances in May, with inflows reaching $913.9 million, a 26 per cent rise from April and 11.6 per cent higher than May 2024.
Remittances from the UAE rose to $754.2 million in May, up 16 per cent from the previous month and nearly 13 per cent higher year-on-year.
The UK sent $588.1 million, marking a 10 per cent increase from April and a 24 per cent surge from May last year.
Inflows from the US totalled $314.7 million in May, a modest increase of 4 per cent month-on-month.
Remittances are a critical source of foreign exchange for Pakistan, helping to stabilise reserves and ease pressure on the current account amid ongoing economic reforms and debt repayment challenges.
Read next: Vivo X300 Ultra tipped to launch with 200MP camera and custom Sony sensor
