Foreign companies operating in Pakistan repatriated $1.72 billion in profits and dividends during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (July 2024 to March 2025), more than double the $825.99 million sent abroad during the same period last year.
The data, released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), indicates a year-on-year increase of 108.21 per cent, highlighting a notable jump in outflows amid improving macroeconomic conditions and fewer restrictions on foreign exchange transfers.
Out of the total repatriated amount, $1.65 billion was sent as returns on foreign direct investments (FDI), reflecting a sharp increase of nearly 116 per cent compared to $764.25 million during the same period last year.
Payments made on account of portfolio investments also grew modestly, reaching $70.81 million, up from $61.74 million, showing a year-on-year rise of around 14.7 per cent. In March 2025 alone, foreign firms repatriated $157.89 million in profits and dividends, continuing the trend of rising outflows.
A sector-wise breakdown of the data shows that the power sector remained the largest contributor to profit repatriation, with companies sending $327.93 million abroad in the nine-month period. The food sector followed closely, with $290.98 million repatriated. Financial businesses also witnessed a significant increase in profit outflows, which reached $214.24 million.
Meanwhile, the communications sector recorded repatriation of $110.94 million, and the oil and gas exploration sector saw outflows of $109.18 million. These five sectors collectively accounted for the majority of the total repatriated profits.
Country-wise data showed that the United Kingdom led all other countries, with firms and investors repatriating $511.22 million in profits during July to March FY25, compared to $153.84 million in the same period a year earlier. Of this amount, $80.97 million was sent in March alone.
China was the second-largest recipient of repatriated profits from Pakistan, receiving $221.43 million, up from $79.68 million during the corresponding period last year.
The United States followed, with $190.69 million repatriated, compared to $47.99 million in the same span of FY24. The Netherlands also recorded notable profit outflows, amounting to $162.76 million during the review period.
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