New Delhi: The Pakistan government is currently trying to boast by showing record remittance figures. But the reality says something else. This time the money coming from Pakistanis sitting abroad has broken all the old records. But experts say that this is not a matter of pride, but is a proof of the deteriorating economic condition of the country.
Record of 41.6 billion dollars, but why no happiness?
According to State Bank of Pakistan SBP, overseas Pakistanis sent $41.6 billion to the country in the financial year 2025-26. This is 8.6% more than $38.3 billion in FY25 last year. The government is calling it a big success.
But the story behind the figures is different. Pakistan’s economy today depends on IMF loans and remittances from migrants even for basic needs. Unemployment is at its peak, factories are closed and people are going out in search of livelihood. In such a situation, increase in remittances does not show progress but shows helplessness.
Remittances exceeded exports
The most surprising thing is that the money Pakistan received as remittance in FY26 was more than its total exports. In the same financial year, Pakistan’s exports stood at $40.67 billion. While remittances were 41.6 billion dollars. The backbone of any strong economy is its manufacturing and exports.
The situation is opposite in Pakistan. Here the country is running on ‘money orders’ instead of production. When a country fulfills its import needs with the earnings of migrants, then understand how fragile the economy is. Pakistan’s biggest headache is its trade deficit. Imports far exceed exports and the dollar shortage continues.
Where did most of the money come from?
According to SBP data, the highest remittance in FY26 came from Saudi Arabia at $829.6 million. After this, $792.3 million was sent from UAE, $514.9 million from UK and $296.8 million from America. Although remittances have increased, the pace has slowed down.
Growth was 26.6% in FY25 and 10.7% in FY24. This time it has come down to 8.6%. Overall the figure of $41.6 billion shows the real picture of Pakistan’s economy. That picture in which the country survives not on production but on debt and at the mercy of its people sitting outside.
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