Pakistan’s external accounts came under renewed pressure in December 2025 as rising imports and persistent income outflows pushed the current account back into deficit, reversing gains made in earlier months. Read More: Trade deficit surges 24% YoY to $3.7 billion in December 2025 Fresh data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed a current […]
remittances
Pakistan growing reliance on diaspora remittances raises concerns
ISLAMABAD: Remittances from overseas Pakistanis reached a record $38.3 billion in FY25, rising more than 26 percent from the previous year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. While these inflows have bolstered foreign exchange reserves and household consumption, experts warn that excessive dependence on remittances poses long-term economic and social risks. Read More: Remittances […]
PM praises overseas Pakistanis for record remittances
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday hailed overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances during December 2025. He said the inflow stood at $3.6 billion, surpassing last year’s figures and reflecting a 16.5 per cent year-on-year increase. Read More: PM Shehbaz strengthens support for overseas Pakistanis In a statement, the prime minister said the rise signaled expatriates’ […]
Pakistan remittances rise to $3.6bn in December, up 16.5% YoY: SBP
Pakistan workers’ remittances climbed to $3.6 billion in December 2025, marking a 16.5% year-on-year increase, according to fresh data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday. The monthly total also reflected a sharp improvement on a sequential basis, supported by stronger inflows from key Gulf and Western corridors. Read More: SBP announces applicants […]
SBP buys $9.7bn from interbank market in 16 months
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has purchased $9.7 billion from the interbank foreign exchange market over the past 16 months, highlighting continued pressure on dollar availability despite the rollover of most external loans and improved inflows. Read More: SBP Board, management saddened over demise of first governor Data shows that between June 2024 and September […]
Government expresses cautious optimism as current account deficit surges 256%
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s current account deficit surged 256 per cent in the first four months of FY26, but the government expressed cautious optimism over the country’s economic outlook, citing steady export growth, remittances, and structural reforms. Read More: PSX opens higher as investors show cautious optimism The Ministry of Finance (MoF) reported that stubborn inflation remains […]
UAE Dirham holds steady at PKR 76.41
KARACHI – The UAE Dirham (AED) remained steady at PKR 76.41 on Thursday, November 20, 2025, continuing near record-low levels that favor remittance flows, trade, and travel between Pakistan and the UAE. The interbank rate stood at Rs. 77.80, while open market rates reflected competitive levels for currency exchange. The sustained strength of the Dirham […]
Saudi riyal holds steady at Rs74.84 against rupee
KARACHI: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) remained firm at Rs74.84 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in today’s open market, matching yesterday’s rate, currency dealers reported. The selling rate stood at Rs75.41, comfortably below the July 28 high of Rs76.03. Analysts say stable remittance inflows and calm market sentiment are keeping the currency steady. Remittances from Pakistanis […]
Zar stablecoin sparks debate on regulation and national interest
ISLAMABAD: The launch of Zar, a new stablecoin venture by Sadapay, backed by $12.9 million in seed funding, has reignited debates on balancing commercial innovation with national financial safeguards in Pakistan. The venture, funded by leading global investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures, and VanEck, aims to broaden access to capital inflows, particularly remittances. Read […]
Pakistan market gains on global rating upgrades
The KSE-100 Index is expected to maintain its upward momentum after the IMF approved a staff-level agreement for Pakistan’s second loan tranche. Political stability and declining fixed-income yields boosted investor confidence, lifting the index to 161,935 points on Friday. Foreign inflows and strong ties with the US and Saudi Arabia are likely to further support […]