Pakistan received a major boost from overseas Pakistanis in May, as workers sent home more than $4.25 billion in remittances, giving fresh support to household finances and the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday, remittances reached $4.251 billion during May 2026. The figure marked a 20.2 percent increase from April and was 15.4 percent higher than the amount received in the same month last year.
For millions of families across Pakistan, these funds help cover everyday expenses such as food, education, healthcare and utility bills. At a broader level, remittances also provide much-needed support to the country’s external account at a time when economic stability remains a key priority.
During the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, from July to May, Pakistan received $38.1 billion in remittances. This represented a 9.2 percent increase compared with $34.9 billion recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
Brokerage house Topline Securities attributed the sharp rise in May largely to seasonal factors linked to Eid. In a note to clients, it said overseas Pakistanis typically send more money home during festive periods to help relatives meet additional expenses.
The brokerage also projected that remittance inflows for the full fiscal year could slightly exceed its earlier estimate of $41 billion.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances in May. Pakistanis working in the kingdom sent home $1.025 billion, up from $914 million in the same month last year. Compared with April, inflows from Saudi Arabia rose by 22 percent.
The United Arab Emirates followed closely behind, with remittances climbing to $1.007 billion. The amount represented a 33 percent increase from May last year and a 37 percent jump from April.
Pakistanis living in the United Kingdom sent $645 million during May, an increase of 15 percent from the previous month. Inflows from the United States reached $350 million, up 10 percent compared with April.
Meanwhile, remittances from countries in the European Union stood at $466 million in May, recording an 8 percent monthly increase.
The government has been encouraging overseas Pakistanis to use formal channels for sending money home through various incentives and awareness efforts.
Economists say maintaining healthy remittance inflows remains important, as these funds not only strengthen the country’s foreign exchange position but also provide a financial lifeline to countless households across Pakistan.
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