Remittances hit $10.9 billion in July to September, up 14%: Saudi Arabia sends $2.69 billion

Pakistan received $10.9 billion in workers' remittances in July to September 2026, the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, up 14% from $9.5 billion in the same three months last year, according to State Bank of Pakistan data reported by Dawn. At today's interbank rate of about Rs 277 to the dollar, that is roughly Rs 3 trillion in three months.

September remittances: $3.6 billion

Inflows in September 2026 were $3.6 billion, up 12.7% on September last year but 1.9% lower than August. August's figure was $3.66 billion, which helped shrink the current account deficit that month (our August current account report has the detail).

The government's target for the full year is $44 billion. The first quarter puts the country on a pace of a little under $44 billion if the monthly rate holds, so the target is within reach but not yet secured.

Where the money came from

In September alone, Saudi Arabia sent $899 million, the UAE $748.5 million, the UK $515.1 million and the United States $305.9 million.

The UK posted the fastest growth among the big sources, nearly 20%. Saudi Arabia stayed the largest single source despite the war in the Gulf, which Dawn noted has not dented inflows so far.

What it means for you

• For families receiving money: more remittances coming through banks and exchange companies helps keep the rupee steady. The dollar has been close to Rs 277 for weeks; check the live rate on our dollar rate page and the Saudi riyal and dirham pages before you collect.
• For working out what a transfer is worth: our currency converter turns riyals, dirhams, pounds and dollars into rupees at the current rate.
• For the economy: remittances are Pakistan's biggest source of foreign currency, larger than any single export. A strong first quarter eases pressure on the import bill, which matters while oil prices stay high.

Why the numbers are rising

The State Bank and government have pushed transfers into formal channels, where they count in the official data, and away from hundi and hawala. A stable exchange rate also narrows the gap between the open market and the banks, so senders have less reason to use informal routes.

The next monthly figure, for October, is due from the State Bank in the second week of November.