Remittances hit all-time high in March: SBP
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Pakistan received a record $4.1 billion in remittances in March 2025, the highest monthly inflow on record, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad said on Monday.
Addressing an event at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Ahmad confirmed that the surge in inflows provided crucial support to the economy, foreign exchange reserves, and liquidity for importers.
This marks the first time that remittances have crossed the $4-billion threshold in a single month. The inflow represents a 37% increase year-on-year compared to $2.95 billion in March 2024. Month-on-month, remittances rose by nearly 30%, up from $3.12 billion in February 2025.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, Pakistan received $28 billion in workers' remittances, reflecting a 33.2% increase from the $21.04 billion recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
SBP governor projected that foreign exchange reserves would exceed $14 billion by June. He added that while foreign debt obligations for FY25 stand at $26 billion, the government expects $16 billion to be rolled over or refinanced, reducing net repayment pressure to around $10 billion.
The SBP governer further noted early signs of economic recovery, but said overall GDP growth for FY25 was now expected to be around 3%, down from earlier projections of over 4.2%, largely due to a weaker-than-expected agricultural season.
In January, Ahmad had said that Pakistan's macroeconomic targets were on track, with debt levels and the balance of payments under control.
The central bank attributed the increase to enhanced formal banking channels, seasonal factors such as Ramadan-related giving, and exchange rate stability which encouraged legal transfers.
Remittances continue to play a critical role in supporting Pakistan's external account, stabilising foreign reserves, and supplementing household incomes.
Remittances from other Gulf and European countries also contributed to the surge, though in smaller volumes.
The record inflow offers some short-term relief for Pakistan's economy, which continues to face external financing pressures and inflationary challenges. Higher remittances are expected to support foreign exchange reserves, strengthen the rupee, and ease the trade and current account deficits.
The inflows are used by households to cover living expenses, healthcare, education, and housing, while also playing a critical role in mitigating external financing gaps.
The SBP also reported improved performance of digital and formal banking channels, noting that increased awareness campaigns and crackdowns on hawala/hundi networks have also redirected inflows through official routes.
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