Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain the top sources as overseas Pakistanis continue to send more money home.
Overseas Pakistanis are sending more money home than they did a year ago. Workers’ remittances reached $7.3 billion in July and August 2026, up 14.7% from $6.4 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
August alone brought in $3.66 billion. That is 16.5% higher than August 2025 and slightly above July’s $3.63 billion.
The growth follows a record-breaking year. Pakistan received $41.6 billion in remittances in fiscal year 2025-26, and the central bank has set its sights on $44 billion for the current fiscal year. Remittances are the country’s largest source of foreign exchange, and Khurram Schezad, Adviser to the Finance Ministry, said sustained inflows continue to support the external account, foreign exchange reserves and liquidity.
Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead Pakistan Remittance Inflows
Saudi Arabia remained the largest source in August, with inflows of $873.5 million, up from $736.7 million a year earlier. The UAE came second with $749.8 million, compared with $642.9 million in August 2025.
Within the UAE, Dubai sent the most by far, at $634.6 million in August, up from $575.5 million in July. Inflows from Abu Dhabi dropped to $91.1 million from $135.4 million over the same period.
The August figure marks a turnaround for UAE inflows. Remittances from the Emirates crossed $1 billion for the first time in May 2026, then slipped in June and July before rising again.
Other major sources in August included the UK at $563.7 million, EU countries at $495.9 million and the US at $308.9 million.
Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme for Overseas Pakistanis
On September 25, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad unveiled the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme, a prize-based program run under the Pakistan Banks Association. It is funded entirely by banks rather than the national budget.
The scheme is part of a move away from government-funded incentives. Earlier this year, the central bank discontinued the reimbursement of telegraphic transfer charges on workers’ remittances.
Families who receive at least $100 a month in a bank account for three consecutive months within a quarter automatically qualify. Each $100 earns one digital entry, so larger transfers mean more chances to win. Participation is free, and banks cannot charge fees or ask for minimum balances.
Prizes total about Rs4 billion every quarter. The first draw is scheduled for January 15, 2027, and covers remittances received between October 1 and December 31, 2026.
