Heroes abroad: Pakistani expats fuel economy but remain overlooked at home

Pakistani expatriates sent a record-breaking $30.3 billion in remittances during the last fiscal year, accounting for 10% of the nation's GDP and nearly matching the country’s $30.6 billion export earnings.

These funds, sent home from around the globe, serve as an economic lifeline for Pakistan, stabilizing foreign reserves and reducing the current account deficit.

The largest remittances came from countries with significant Pakistani labor populations. Saudi Arabia led with $7.4 billion, followed by the UAE with $5.5 billion, the United Kingdom at $4.5 billion, the U.S. with $3.6 billion, and the European Union contributing $3.5 billion. This influx surpassed the World Bank’s estimates by 8%, driven partly by regulations curtailing informal money transfers.

Pakistani expatriates are spread widely across the world, with approximately 3 million residing in Saudi Arabia, 1.5 million in the UAE, and over a million in the UK, primarily in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Bradford. North America also hosts a robust diaspora, with over 600,000 Pakistani Americans and a sizable community in Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Beyond economic contributions, Pakistanis abroad continue to elevate the country's profile. Leaders like London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the son of a Pakistani immigrant, and high-profile economists like MIT’s Atif Mian and Harvard’s Asim Khwaja bring recognition to Pakistan globally. Meanwhile, Shahid Khan, a Pakistani American billionaire, has made a name as a sports mogul and business tycoon.

However, these overseas Pakistanis face challenges both abroad and at home. Strict immigration policies, limited work permits, and residency hurdles in host countries often make life difficult. At home, remittances are crucial to Pakistan’s economy, yet expatriates lack the right to vote, while their investments in property face risks of fraud and insecurity.