Foreign investors repatriate $2.15 billion in profits from Pakistan in 11 months of FY26

Foreign investors repatriated USD 2.15 billion in profits and dividends from Pakistan during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025-26, up 2.3% from USD 2.11 billion in the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The central bank’s data showed that profit repatriation linked to foreign direct investment (FDI) reached USD 2.06 billion during July-May FY26, compared with USD 2 billion in the corresponding period a year earlier, marking a 3% increase.

In contrast, profit outflows related to portfolio investments declined 11% year-on-year to USD 92.9 million during the review period, compared with USD 104.4 million in July-May FY25.

On a monthly basis, foreign companies repatriated USD 153.3 million in profits and dividends during May 2026.

Sector-wise, the financial business sector recorded the highest profit repatriation, with foreign investors transferring USD 523.2 million abroad during the first 11 months of FY26.

The power sector ranked second, with profit outflows totaling USD 478.2 million. The food sector recorded USD 175.3 million in repatriated profits, followed by the communications sector at USD 158.5 million. The tobacco and cigarette sector accounted for USD 111 million in profit outflows during the period.

Country-wise data showed that investors from the United Kingdom remained the largest recipients of profit repatriation from Pakistan, receiving USD 585.6 million during July-May FY26. However, the amount was lower than USD 605.3 million repatriated during the same period last year. In May alone, payments to UK-based investors stood at USD 29.2 million.

China ranked second, with investors repatriating USD 456.3 million during the first 11 months of FY26, significantly higher than USD 290.6 million in the same period last year.

The Netherlands ranked third, with profit repatriation increasing to USD 190 million from USD 178 million a year earlier, while US investors transferred USD 183.5 million from Pakistan during the review period.

The rise in profit and dividend repatriation reflects improved foreign exchange liquidity and fewer restrictions on overseas transfers, enabling multinational companies and foreign investors to move earnings from Pakistan more smoothly compared with previous years.