Pakistan receives record $4.25 billion in remittances in May 2026, SBP data shows

Pakistan received a record $4.25 billion in workers' remittances in May 2026, the highest monthly inflow ever recorded, according to State Bank of Pakistan data.

The figure was 15% higher than the $3.69 billion received in May 2025 and 20% above the $3.54 billion recorded in April 2026.

How much in remittances has Pakistan received in 2026?

Cumulative remittances for the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025-26 reached $38.1 billion, up 9% from $34.9 billion in the same period a year earlier.

The May 2026 record pushed Pakistan's full-year inflows to their highest level yet, continuing a two-year upward trend that began with $27.1 billion in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2023-24.

Which country is Pakistan's largest source of remittances?

Saudi Arabia remained the top source of remittances in May 2026, with overseas Pakistanis sending $1.03 billion. That was 12% higher than a year earlier and 22% above the previous month.

For the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025-26, Saudi Arabia led all sources with a cumulative total of $8.95 billion.

The United Arab Emirates was the second-largest contributor, with inflows reaching $1.01 billion in May. Remittances from the UAE rose 33% year-on-year and 37% month-on-month, the strongest growth rate among Pakistan's major remittance sources. The UAE's 11-month cumulative total stood at $8.02 billion.

How much did the UK and US send to Pakistan in May 2026?

Pakistanis living in the United Kingdom sent $645 million in May, up 10% from the same month last year. The United States contributed $350 million, an 11% year-on-year increase. For the first 11 months of the fiscal year, the UK accounted for $5.81 billion and the U.S. for $3.33 billion.

European Union countries sent $466 million in May, up 10% year-on-year, while other Gulf Cooperation Council countries contributed $393 million. EU countries sent a cumulative $4.81 billion over the first 11 months of the fiscal year.

Which smaller markets posted the fastest remittance growth?

Australia recorded the sharpest growth among smaller remittance markets, with inflows rising 23% to $107 million in May. Canada posted a 14% increase to $80 million, while workers in Malaysia sent $18 million during the month.

According to AKD Securities data, remittances to Pakistan have maintained a strong upward trend over the past two fiscal years.

Inflows climbed from $27.1 billion in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2023-24 to $34.9 billion in the same period of fiscal year 2024-25, before reaching the current record of $38.1 billion.