Workers’ remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis eased in April after hitting a strong level a month earlier, though inflows remained higher than the same period last year, according to fresh data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.
Pakistan received $3.54 billion in remittances in April 2026, showing a decline of 7.6 percent from $3.83 billion recorded in March. However, inflows were still 11.4 percent higher compared to $3.18 billion received in April 2025.
Despite the monthly slowdown, remittances continued to show solid growth during the current fiscal year. In the first 10 months of FY26, overseas Pakistanis sent $33.86 billion back home, extending the strong upward trend seen throughout the year.
The decline from March came at a time when tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran have weighed on economic activity across the Gulf region, where a large number of Pakistani workers are employed.
The International Monetary Fund had also warned in its April 2026 Regional Economic Outlook that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could slow growth across the region. The lender said Pakistan could face added pressure through higher food and energy import costs, weaker remittance inflows and tighter financial conditions.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances for Pakistan in April, with inflows reaching $841.75 million. Although this was down from $918.79 million in March, it was still 16.1 percent higher than the amount received in April last year.
The United Arab Emirates stayed in second place as Pakistani workers there sent $734.74 million during the month, compared with $829.91 million in March. On a yearly basis, inflows from the UAE rose 12.6 percent.
Within the UAE, Dubai accounted for the biggest share at $566.52 million, followed by Abu Dhabi with $129.22 million. Smaller contributions came from Sharjah and other emirates.
The United Kingdom ranked third, with remittances of $563.74 million. The figure was slightly lower than March levels but still above the amount recorded a year earlier.
Remittances from the United States stood at $317.58 million, down from the previous month but up 5 percent compared to April 2025.
Inflows from European Union countries rose to $432.21 million, showing growth on both monthly and yearly bases. Among European countries, Italy remained the leading source, followed by Spain, Germany and Greece.
Other Gulf countries excluding Saudi Arabia and the UAE contributed $325.48 million. Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain remained the main contributors within this group.
Pakistan also received notable remittance inflows from countries including Australia, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia and Japan.
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