KARACHI: Pakistan received its highest ever worker remittances of $3.2 billion in the month of May, the Pakistani central bank said on Friday, with Saudi Arabia being the top contributor.
Remittances bring billions of dollars annually from overseas Pakistanis and are vital to Pakistan’s economy. These inflows bolster foreign exchange reserves, stabilize the balance of payments, and support the Pakistani currency.
Pakistani expatriates sent a total of $3.2 billion in May that recorded an increase of 15.3 percent on a month-on-month basis and by 54.2 percent on a year-on-year basis, according to official figures shared by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
“Remittances inflows during May 24 were mainly sourced from Saudi Arabia ($819.3 million), United Arab Emirates ($668.5 million), United Kingdom ($473.2 million) and United States of America ($359.5 million),” the SBP said in a statement.
“Cumulatively, with inflow of $ 27.1 billion, workers’ remittances increased by 7.7 percent during the first eleven months of FY24 compared to the same period last year.”
Remittances play a major role in supporting Pakistan’s external account, especially at a time when the country is grappling with an economic crisis that has weakened its currency and caused its foreign exchange reserves to plummet.
Pakistan had set a worker remittance inflow target of $28.5 billion for the current fiscal year ending in July.
“This is higher than our expectations as we projected full year remittances at $28bn, while Pakistan has achieved remittances of $27bn in 11MFY24,” Karachi-based Topline Securities brokerage firm said in its report.
“We believe, with this momentum and growth trajectory, Pakistan can achieve remittances of $29.5-30bn for FY24, up 8-10 percent.”
The higher momentum in remittances was likely to persist due to stability in the Pakistani currency and expectations of a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, it added.
Saudi Arabia remains top contributor as Pakistan remittances hit record $3.2 billion — central bank
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Saudi Arabia remains top contributor as Pakistan remittances hit record $3.2 billion — central bank
- Remittances in May were up by 15.3 percent on a month-on-month basis and 54.2 percent year-on-year
- Saudi Arabia contributed the most to the inflows with $819.3 million, followed by the UAE, UK and US
Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers
- Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
- Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.
“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.
“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.
Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.
China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.
