Pakistan’s Remittances Rise to $3.46 Billion in January, Reflecting Positive Trends
In January 2026, remittance inflows into Pakistan reached an all-time high of $3.46 billion, marking a year-on-year (YoY) growth of nearly 15.4% from the staggering figure of $3.0 billion recorded in January 2025.
While this represents a decrease of about 4% compared to the previous month’s inflow of $3.59 billion, it reflects a continuation of positive trends that have been observed over recent years. Analysts attribute these developments primarily to increased manpower exports and smoother operations within both formal and informal channels of remittance transactions.
The government has consistently promoted such transactions by offering incentives through various formal channels. Since 2009, the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) has been working diligently with financial institutions (FIs), including conventional banks, Islamic banks, microfinance banks, and Exchange Companies (ECs), to facilitate greater participation in this vital economic flow.
This year’s target for remittances is set at $41 billion, representing a 7.5% increase from the fiscal year 2025 level of $38 billion. The inclusion of entities like Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) has also played a significant role in facilitating these inflows through banks.
In January 2026, the largest remittance figure was recorded by overseas Pakistanis residing in Saudi Arabia, sending home $740 million—a slight decrease from December’s total of $813 million. This drop can be attributed to both a 2% YoY decline and a 9% reduction in monthly figures.
There were notable increases seen from the UAE, with inflows rising by 12% to reach $694 million compared to $622 million in December of the previous year. Remittances from the United Kingdom also saw a significant growth, jumping up by 36% from £560 million (approximately $572 million) in December 2025 to £480 million (also approximately $491 million) in January.
However, remittances from the UK showed a different trajectory on a monthly basis. Although this year’s inflow was up by 2% YoY, it marked a decline of about 2% when compared month-to-month with December 2025.
Another area showing growth is Europe and the EU countries in general. In January 2026, remittances to Pakistan from these regions reached $480 million—a considerable increase over last year’s amount of approximately $339 million (a YoY increase of around 36%).
Overall, these figures underscore the continued importance of remittances for supporting Pakistan’s external account, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing disposable incomes among households dependent on such funds.
In a competitive effort to further support steady growth in this area, the government has been actively promoting remittance transactions through formal channels. The active engagement with financial institutions like FIs and EMIs continues to facilitate smoother operations for overseas Pakistanis sending home money, fostering greater confidence in these avenues as reliable methods of international transaction.