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Nov 14th, 2025: Roshan Digital Account inflows post notable rise, crossing $11.3bn milestone

Pakistan recorded $205 million in gross inflows through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) in October 2025, pushing the cumulative total since the programme’s launch in September 2020 to a strong $11.313 billion, as per newly released State Bank of Pakistan statistics. The October figure stands above both trend benchmarks: the six-month average of $189 million and the long-term average of $182 million, indicating a renewed pickup in RDA momentum, according to Topline Research. On the net side, inflows reached $180 million — again outperforming the six-month average of $165 million and the overall average of $152 million. This consistent outperformance across both gross and net indicators signals sustained trust and engagement from overseas Pakistanis, even as global economic conditions remain mixed.

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Nov 11th, 2025: Pakistan receives $3.4bn in remittances in October 2025

The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.4 billion in October 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Friday. Remittances increased by nearly 12% year-on-year (YoY), compared to $3.1 billion recorded in the same month last year. On a monthly basis, remittances were up over 7%, compared to $3.2 billion in September. During the first four months of the fiscal year (4MFY26), remittance inflows stood at $12.9 billion, as compared to $11.9 billion in 4MFY25, a jump of 9.3%. Remittances play a significant role in supporting the country’s external account, stimulating Pakistan’s economic activity, and supplementing the disposable incomes of remittance-dependent households. Meanwhile, the government promotes remittances through incentives and formal channels to sustain steady growth and ensure their role in economic stability. In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistanis for the rise in remittances during October. “The gradual increase in remittances reflects the confidence of overseas Pakistanis in the government’s policies,” he said, adding that they are the country’s most valuable asset. Back in August, SBP noted that since 2009, the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) has been working towards the enhancement of home remittances through formal channels in Pakistan. As a result of active engagements with financial institutions (FIs), the number of FIs on the PRI network has increased from around 25 in 2009 to more than 50 in 2024. The FIs include conventional banks, Islamic banks, microfinance banks, and Exchange Companies (ECs). Further, the Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) are also allowed to receive home remittances by working through the banks. The number of international entities has increased from around 45 in 2009 to around 400 at present. Breakdown of remittances Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia remitted the largest amount in October 2025 as they sent $821 million during the month. The amount was up 9% on a monthly basis, and 7% higher than the $767 million sent by the expatriates in the same month of the previous year. Inflows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose by 12% on a yearly basis, from $621 million to $698 million in October 2025. Remittances from the United Kingdom (UK) amounted to $488 million during October 2025, up by 7% compared to $455 million in September 2025. YoY inflows from the UK were up by 13%. Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $290 million in October 2025, a YoY decrease of 4%, but up 8% on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, remittances from European Union (EU) countries clocked in at $457 million in October, recording a significant increase of 27% on a yearly basis.

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Oct 10th, 2025: Pakistan’s Remittances Rise to $3.2 Billion in September 2025, Sustaining Upward Momentum

Pakistan received $3.2 billion in workers’ remittances in September 2025, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The inflow reflects an 11.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to $2.9 billion in September 2024, and a 1% month-on-month (MoM) rise from August 2025’s $3.1 billion. Cumulatively, remittances during the first quarter of FY26 (July–September 2025) reached $9.5 billion, up 8.4% from $8.8 billion in the corresponding period of FY25. This sustained growth continues to underpin Pakistan’s external sector stability, providing critical foreign exchange support amid ongoing fiscal pressures and limited export diversification. Economic and Policy Implications Remittances remain one of Pakistan’s most stable external financing sources, offsetting the trade deficit and easing pressure on the rupee. They also serve as a key driver of domestic consumption, particularly among remittance-dependent households, effectively acting as a social stabilizer during inflationary periods. Advisor to the Finance Minister, Khurram Schehzad, projected that annual remittances could exceed $41 billion in FY26, surpassing the $38.3 billion received in FY25. He emphasized that remittances “serve as a lifeline for millions of households and a pillar of economic resilience,” reflecting both the diaspora’s confidence and the effectiveness of formal remittance channels. Institutional Strengthening of the Remittance Ecosystem The SBP highlighted ongoing efforts under the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) — launched in 2009 to promote remittance inflows through regulated financial channels. The number of financial institutions (FIs) integrated with the PRI network has expanded from 25 in 2009 to over 50 in 2024, encompassing conventional banks, Islamic banks, microfinance banks, and exchange companies. Additionally, the participation of Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) has broadened the ecosystem’s reach, allowing international remitters to send funds through digital pathways. The number of international partners linked with Pakistani institutions has grown almost tenfold — from 45 in 2009 to around 400 today — underscoring Pakistan’s increasing integration with global remittance corridors. Geographic Breakdown of Inflows Analytical Outlook The upward trend signals a renewed confidence among overseas Pakistanis, likely supported by improved digital remittance channels, competitive exchange rates, and seasonal demand during Q1 of the fiscal year. However, sustaining this growth will depend on macroeconomic stability, policy continuity, and continued trust in the banking system. If current momentum persists, Pakistan could witness record-high remittance inflows, providing a critical buffer against external vulnerabilities and supporting the government’s broader digital and financial inclusion agenda.

Oct 10th, 2025: Pakistan’s Remittances Rise to $3.2 Billion in September 2025, Sustaining Upward Momentum Read More »

Sep 26th, 2025: Pakistan receives $3.2bn in remittances in July 2025

The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.2 billion in July 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Friday. Remittances increased by 7.4% year over year, compared to $3 billion recorded in the same month last year. On a monthly basis, remittances were down 6%, compared to $3.4 billion in June. Home remittances play a significant role in supporting the country’s external account, stimulating Pakistan’s economic activity as well as supplementing the disposable incomes of remittance-dependent households. “Remittance inflows have improved due to stricter foreign exchange regulations and enhanced monitoring of the open market by law enforcement, which helped reduce the gap between interbank and open market rates,” Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global, told Business Recorder. This has incentivised senders to use formal channels, boosting the monthly run rate, he maintained. The analyst shared that the monthly remittance run rate has increased from $2.5 billion in FY24 to $3.2 billion in FY25. Meanwhile, Sana Tawfik of Arif Habib Limited said remittance inflows were higher in June due to the Eid factor, which has since normalised, leading to a month-on-month decline. “This is the highest remittance inflow recorded in July,” she informed, attributing the increase to a rise in the number of workers going abroad, stable exchange parity and a narrow spread between the interbank and open market. “We expect remittance inflows to reach $39-40 billion in FY26, which is in line with SBP’s projections,” added Tawfik. Breakdown of remittances Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia remitted the largest amount in July 2025 as they sent $823.7 million during the month. The amount was nearly 8% higher than the $760 million sent by the expatriates in the same month of the previous year. Inflows from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) inched up by 9% on a yearly basis, from $611.2 million to $665.2 million in July. On a monthly basis, remittances dropped 7%, as compared to $717.2 million reported in June. Remittances from the United Kingdom amounted to $450.4 million during the month, down by 16% compared to $537.6 million in June 2025. YoY inflows from the UK improved by 2%. Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $269.6 million in July 2025, a MoM decrease of 4% and 10% YoY.

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August 20th, 2025: State Bank of Pakistan Introduces PRISM+ Payment System

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the Real-Time Interbank Settlement Mechanism Plus (PRISM+), a next-generation payment system aimed at modernising the country’s financial infrastructure. By adopting the ISO 20022 international messaging standard, Pakistan has joined a select group of nations that use this globally recognised protocol for both high-value transactions and retail payments. The new system brings several advanced features, including real-time liquidity management, transaction prioritisation, and the ability to pre-schedule payments. PRISM+ is also fully integrated with the Central Securities Depository, enabling broader financial market functions and enhancing operational efficiency. At the system’s inauguration, held at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) in Karachi, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad highlighted PRISM+ as a milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s payments landscape. “With PRISM+, we are enhancing both capacity and efficiency to meet the growing needs of the financial market,” he said. The governor credited the World Bank Group’s support under the Financial Inclusion and Infrastructure Project, along with the contributions of SBP’s team, commercial banks, and technology partners, for making PRISM+ a reality. He noted that the original PRISM had already processed transactions exceeding ten times the country’s GDP in the last fiscal year, underlining the critical role of such systems in Pakistan’s economy. Governor Ahmad also emphasised the SBP’s commitment to ensuring cybersecurity, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and fraud management controls, reinforcing trust in the financial system. Sharing the scale of Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem, he stated that the country now hosts over 225 million bank and digital wallet accounts, including 96 million unique users, 28 million mobile banking app users, 71 million branchless banking users, and 17 million internet banking users.

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August 6th, 2025: QR Revolution in Asia: 8 Countries Leading the P2M Payment Shift

Across Asia, QR code-based payments are transforming the way small and large businesses accept money. Driven by national P2M (Person-to-Merchant) QR standards, countries are enabling millions of merchants—especially in retail and micro-enterprises—to go digital without costly POS devices. From China and India’s massive networks to Indonesia’s 38 million QRIS merchants, the region is setting the pace for financial inclusion through low-cost, interoperable payment systems. Now, Pakistan has emerged as a fast mover, onboarding over 770,000 merchants under its Raast P2M QR system within just three years. This article highlights the latest adoption figures and trends across eight leading Asian economies that are reshaping the cashless commerce landscape. China leads globally with hundreds of millions of merchants—ranging from street vendors to large retailers—accepting QR payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay. Over 95% of mobile users routinely scan QR codes for in-person purchases. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem, including the BharatQR standard, supports tens of millions of merchants, spanning both online and offline channels. Billions of QR‑based transactions are processed daily. Bank Indonesia’s QRIS unified standard (launched August 2019) reached approximately 38.1 million merchants by early 2025 . 56.3 million users, handling 2.6 billion transactions worth Rp 262.1 trillion in Q1 2025. QRIS Tap (NFC-based) enabled 1.4 million merchants as of launch . The Philippines’ national EMV‑based QR standard (QR PH) onboarded around 473,000 merchant locations by April 2022, with fast growth through BSP’s InstaPay and bank adoption. Thailand’s PromptPay (with ThaiQR merchant‑scan capability) launched in 2017. As of 2019, it had around 43 million user subscribers; merchant and POS network continues to grow, primarily through widespread smartphone adoption. The VietQR standard (2021 launch) is still scaling across banks and e‑wallets. While specific merchant counts for 2025 aren’t published, widespread wallet interoperability and ASEAN linkage indicate rapidly expanding acceptance, especially in urban and tourist zones with almost Over 650,000 Acceptance Points Launched in March 2019. As of 2024, over 350,000 merchant points accept LankaQR, including UPI‑linked merchants targeting Indian tourists Launched by the State Bank of Pakistan in March 2022, integrated into Raast. As of Q3 FY25 (~April–June 2025): 770,000 merchants onboarded for P2M QR code acceptance. 1.5 million QR‑based transactions processed in that quarter—PKR 4.5 billion in value. These merchants are part of Pakistan’s broader digital payment momentum: in Q3 FY25, 89% of retail payments (volume) moved through digital channels (~1.686 billion transactions), including PKR 27 trillion in value via mobile/QR wallets. QR‑based merchant payments alone accounted for 21.7 million transactions worth PKR 61 billion in Q3 FY25 Summary of Merchant Onboarding Country QR P2M System Merchant Count (most recent) China Alipay / WeChat QR Hundreds of millionsIndia UPI + BharatQR Tens of millionsIndonesia QRIS 38.1 million merchants (2025)Philippines QR PH 473,000 merchants and expandingThailand ThaiQR / PromptPay Tens of millions estimatedVietnam VietQR Over 650,000 Acceptance PointsSri Lanka LankaQR 350,000 merchant points (2024)Pakistan Raast P2M QR 770,000 merchants (Q3 FY25) Analysis & Key Insights Growth & Scale Indonesia leads regional merchant deployment with over 38 million onboarded. China and India, with their massive user ecosystems, host far larger merchant networks. Pakistan is catching up fast—starting QR payments in 2022 and already hitting 770,000 merchants by mid‑2025. Gaps & Potential Pakistan’s QR merchant penetration remains modest relative to MSME base (~5 million retailers), suggesting scope for further device and agent-led onboarding. In contrast, Indonesia and Thailand have normalized QR acceptance even among street vendors and micro‑merchants. Interoperability Outlook ASEAN cross-border QR linkage is live for QRIS, ThaiQR, VietQR, and QR PH, enhancing frictionless payment for tourists and merchants . Pakistan may explore cross-border QR use via integration with international wallets or remittance-linked QR systems in future policy phases. In a landscape Indonesia leads in merchant penetration (~38 M), followed by India and China at massive scale. Pakistan, though newer, is rapidly scaling: 770,000 merchants onboarded and playing a growing role in national digital retail infrastructure.

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July 14th, 2025: Pakistan’s Remittances Reach $3.7 Billion in May 2025: A Strong Upward Momentum

Overview:Pakistan witnessed a significant surge in remittance inflows during May 2025, with the total reaching $3.7 billion, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This marks a 16% month-on-month (MoM) increase from April 2025 and a 13.7% year-on-year (YoY) rise compared to May 2024. Cumulative Growth:Over the first 11 months of FY25 (July to May), cumulative remittances stood at $34.9 billion, reflecting a 28.8% increase from the $27.1 billion received during the same period in FY24. This sharp rise underscores the growing reliance on overseas inflows to stabilize Pakistan’s external account and support household consumption in a challenging economic environment. Economic Implications:Remittances continue to play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability, serving as a vital non-debt-creating source of foreign exchange. These inflows support the current account balance, boost foreign reserves, and provide critical disposable income to millions of households across the country. In April 2025, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad emphasized that the strength in remittances would contribute to a substantial current account surplus, calling it the best performance of Pakistan’s external sector in the past two decades. Country-wise Breakdown: Key Sources of Growth 1. Saudi Arabia: 2. United Arab Emirates (UAE): 3. United Kingdom: 4. United States: Conclusion: The remittance trend in FY25 signals resilient external sector performance, supported by strong diaspora contributions, particularly from the Gulf and Western countries. If this momentum continues, remittances are likely to surpass expectations and serve as a critical buffer against Pakistan’s balance of payments pressures. Policymakers may leverage this trend to strengthen the rupee, reduce external borrowing, and enhance financial inclusion of remittance-receiving households.

July 14th, 2025: Pakistan’s Remittances Reach $3.7 Billion in May 2025: A Strong Upward Momentum Read More »

July 5th, 2025: Govt Plans to Rationalize Remittance Incentives Amid Rising Costs

On June 27, 2025, Pakistan’s Finance Division informed the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) that the government is considering scaling back certain incentives designed to boost remittance inflows, due to soaring costs associated with the schemes. Currently, five major remittance incentive programs are being implemented by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), with the TT Charges Scheme being the flagship initiative. This scheme provides a “zero-cost” model for both senders and recipients of remittances, aimed at encouraging the use of formal banking channels. What the Current TT Charges Scheme Offers Under the version approved in August 2024, the scheme reimburses SAR 20 (Saudi Riyals) for every remittance transaction of $100 or more. Additional incentives include: Surging Remittance Inflows, Soaring Costs According to SBP, remittances from July 2024 to May 2025 reached $34.9 billion — a 28.8% increase ($7.8 billion) from the same period last year. Based on this momentum, total inflows are expected to hit a record $38 billion by the end of June 2025. But with this growth comes a fiscal challenge. The remittance incentive schemes cost the government over Rs 200 billion in FY 2025 — approximately Rs 50 billion per quarter. The TT Charges Scheme alone accounted for Rs 170 billion, or 85% of the total cost. SBP’s Proposal: Targeted Reforms, Cost Savings To manage this financial burden, the SBP has proposed a set of changes starting July 1, 2025: SBP estimates these changes will cut the incentive-related costs to Rs 88 billion in FY 2026 — a reduction of over 57% from the previous year. Caution on Sudden Changes Despite the urgency to reduce costs, ECC members emphasized the need for a proper transition strategy. They acknowledged the potential behavioral impact of removing incentives, especially as many remittance senders and recipients have grown accustomed to the existing benefits. The committee urged SBP and the Finance Division to conduct a detailed cost-benefit and sensitivity analysis, especially around: ECC Approval with Conditions The ECC gave conditional approval to SBP’s proposals but directed the authorities to: Takeaway:Pakistan is facing a tough balancing act — sustaining strong remittance inflows while rationalizing the rising cost of government-funded incentives. While the reforms aim to ensure fiscal sustainability, the transition must be handled carefully to avoid unintended disruptions in formal remittance flows.

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June 26th, 2025: Digital Transactions Continue Strong Momentum in Pakistan — Q3 FY25 Payment Systems Review

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released its Quarterly Payment Systems Review for Q3-FY25, providing an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of retail and digital payments across the country. The data points to continued progress in Pakistan’s shift toward digital financial services, led by mobile app-based banking and the increasing adoption of the Raast instant payment platform. Here are the key highlights and takeaways from the review: Retail Payments Cross 2.4 Billion Mark, Driven by Mobile AppsRetail payment volumes reached 2.4 billion transactions in Q3-FY25, showing a 12% quarter-on-quarter increase, while the total value of these transactions rose to PKR 164 trillion (↑8%). The primary contributor to this growth has been the rising use of mobile banking applications offered by banks, branchless banking (BB) operators, and EMIs. Digital Channels Now 89% of Retail Payments by VolumeA key development this quarter is that digital payments surpassed 2 billion transactions, now comprising 89% of total retail payment volume. However, in terms of transaction value, digital still accounts for only 29% (PKR 48 trillion), while the majority — 71% (PKR 117 trillion) — continues to be conducted over-the-counter (OTC), via bank branches and agent networks. This contrast highlights that while consumers are increasingly using digital platforms for everyday transactions, larger-value payments are still predominantly routed through traditional channels. Mobile App-Based Payments See Double-Digit GrowthMobile banking applications processed 1.686 billion transactions amounting to PKR 27 trillion, reflecting 16% growth in volume and 22% in value compared to the previous quarter. These apps—offered by banks, BB providers, and EMIs—enable users to perform a range of financial activities, from fund transfers to bill payments, without physical visits to banking outlets. The number of registered users also saw healthy growth: Banking apps: 22.6 million users (↑7%) BB wallets: 68.5 million users (↑6%) EMI wallets: 5.3 million users (↑12%) Internet Banking Expands with 71 Million TransactionsInternet banking usage also increased, with the number of registered users rising to 14.1 million (↑7%). These users conducted 71 million transactions valued at PKR 9.6 trillion during the quarter. While the transaction volume and user base continue to grow steadily, the total value transacted saw only a modest increase. Decline in Branch-Based Payments, Uptick in Agent ActivityTraditional bank branches processed 144 million payments totaling PKR 115.7 trillion, reflecting a 3% decline in volume. In contrast, branchless banking agents facilitated 123 million payments worth PKR 0.9 trillion, showing a 6% increase. This shift further illustrates the growing role of agent-based services in reaching unbanked and underbanked segments. Raast Gains Momentum Across P2P and P2M SegmentsThe Raast instant payment system maintained its upward trajectory: P2P (Person-to-Person) transactions: 368 million (↑25%), valued at PKR 8 trillion (↑31%) P2M (Person-to-Merchant) transactions: 1.5 million, totaling PKR 4.5 billion (more than double from previous quarter) Merchants onboarded: 770,000+ These figures indicate strong adoption of Raast across both individuals and businesses. The platform’s speed, cost-efficiency, and real-time capability continue to make it an attractive option for small and mid-sized payments. Large-Value Transactions Through RTGS Reach PKR 347 TrillionPakistan’s Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system processed 1.5 million large-value transactions in the quarter, with a total value of PKR 347 trillion—a 5% increase over the previous period. This confirms consistent growth in institutional and interbank settlements through regulated channels. Conclusion: A Steady Shift Toward Digital FinanceThe Q3-FY25 review underscores Pakistan’s steady transition toward a digital-first financial ecosystem. While digital channels now dominate transaction volumes, a significant share of value remains with OTC modes, indicating the need for further trust-building, financial literacy, and infrastructure development. With the continued expansion of platforms like Raast and rising mobile app penetration, Pakistan’s payment ecosystem is positioned for deeper digital integration in the quarters ahead. Snapshot of Pakistan’s Payment Systems — Q3 FY25 vs Q2 FY25 🧾 1. National-Level Overview Indicator Q2-FY25 (Dec 2024) Q3-FY25 (Mar 2025) Change Population (millions) 241.5 241.5 – Currency in Circulation (PKR Bn) 9,115.9 10,261.0 ▲ 12.5% approx. 🔄 2. Payment Transactions Summary Category Q2-FY25 Q3-FY25 Change Volume (M) Value (PKR Tn) Volume (M) Value (PKR Tn) RTGS – PRISM 1.63 330.5 1.53 347.1 ▲ 5% in value, ▼ 6% volume Retail Payments – Total 2,147.8 151.9 2,407.8 164.5 ▲ 12% volume, ▲ 8% value ▸ Digital Payments 1,883.5 43.3 2,141.1 47.9 ▲ 14% volume, ▲ 11% value ▸ OTC Payments 264.3 108.6 266.7 116.6 ▲ Slight volume/value 📝 Digital continues to grow faster than OTC in both volume and value. 🏛️ 3. Payment Systems Infrastructure Institution Type Q2-FY25 Q3-FY25 Change Banks (incl. Islamic windows) 32 31 ▼ 1 Microfinance Banks (MFBs) 12 11 ▼ 1 PSOs/PSPs 5 5 – EMIs 5 6 ▲ 1 Branchless Banking Providers 16 16 – PRISM Participants 59 59 – 🏪 4. Payments Network Footprint Infrastructure Component Q2-FY25 Q3-FY25 Change Bank & MFB Branches 19,110 19,170 ▲ 60 BB Agents 703,972 722,361 ▲ 18,389 ATMs 19,519 19,851 ▲ 332 CDMs/CCDMs 753 863 ▲ 110 PoS Machines 151,646 179,383 ▲ 27,737 PoS Enabled Merchants 115,177 140,861 ▲ 25,684 Registered E-Commerce Merchants 8,932 9,129 ▲ 197 Retail/Kiryana Merchants 679,745 778,936 ▲ 99,191 📝 Significant growth in PoS terminals and merchant onboarding supports rising digital enablement. 📲 5. Digital Channels & User Base (in millions) Channel/Instrument Q2-FY25 Q3-FY25 Change Internet Banking Users 13.3 14.1 ▲ 7% Mobile Banking Users 21.1 22.6 ▲ 7% Call Center / IVR Users 42.1 42.8 ▲ Slight BB Mobile App Users 64.3 68.5 ▲ 6.5% EMI E-Wallets 4.7 5.3 ▲ 12.8% Payment Cards (Credit/Debit) 55.7 57.5 ▲ 3.2% 📊 Snapshot of Payment Systems – Q2 vs Q3 FY25 Category Q2-FY25<br>(End Dec 2024) Q3-FY25<br>(End Mar 2025) Change (QoQ) Volume (Million) Value (PKR Trillion) Volume (Million) Value (PKR Trillion) RTGS – PRISM 1.63 330.5 1.53 347.1 ▼ 6% (Volume), ▲ 5% (Value) Retail Payments (Total) 2,147.8 151.9 2,407.8 164.5 ▲ 12% (Vol), ▲ 8% (Val) ▸ Digital Payments 1,883.5 43.3 2,141.1 47.9 ▲ 14% (Vol), ▲ 11% (Val) ▸ OTC Payments 264.3 108.6 266.7 116.6 ▲ Slight in both Vol & Val

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June 12th, 2025: Pakistan’s Remittances Surge to $3.7 Billion in May 2025 — Highest Monthly Inflow This Fiscal Year

Pakistan witnessed a robust surge in remittances in May 2025, with inflows hitting $3.7 billion, according to fresh data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This marks a 16% increase from April’s $3.18 billion, and a 13.7% rise year-on-year from $3.24 billion in May 2024 — a clear sign of the growing financial support from overseas Pakistanis. FY25: A Record-Breaking Year for Remittances So far in the current fiscal year (July–May FY25), Pakistan has received $34.9 billion in workers’ remittances — an impressive 28.8% jump compared to $27.1 billion during the same period last year. This strong growth is helping ease pressure on the country’s external account and boosting economic activity at home, especially for households reliant on remittance income. The SBP had already hinted at this momentum. In April, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad projected a substantial current account surplus, crediting remittances for the “best performance on the external front in two decades.” Saudi Arabia Leads the Pack Breaking down the numbers by country, Saudi Arabia continues to be the largest source of remittance inflows. Pakistani workers there sent $913.9 million in May — a 26% increase from April, and 12% higher than the same month last year. UAE and UK Show Strong Growth Remittances from the United Arab Emirates also saw a solid boost, climbing 16% MoM to $754.2 million. Compared to May 2024, that’s a 13% increase. The United Kingdom contributed $588.1 million, marking a 10% monthly rise and a significant 24% year-on-year increase, showcasing stronger inflows from Europe. Stable Growth from the US From the United States, remittances reached $314.7 million, showing modest but steady growth — up 4% month-on-month. Why This Matters Remittances are more than just numbers — they are a lifeline for millions of Pakistani families and a pillar of economic stability. As the country navigates global financial pressures, this surge in inflows not only boosts foreign exchange reserves but also supports local consumption and growth. If current trends continue, FY25 could go down as one of the strongest years for Pakistan’s external finances — largely thanks to the unwavering support of its diaspora.

June 12th, 2025: Pakistan’s Remittances Surge to $3.7 Billion in May 2025 — Highest Monthly Inflow This Fiscal Year Read More »