Inflows hit $16b despite worker abuse

Despite what many overseas Pakistanis describe as humiliating behaviour and bureaucratic hurdles at home and abroad, at the hands of fellow countrymen in positions of authority, migrant workers have continued to support the struggling economy with unwavering commitment, sending $16.14 billion in 5MFY26, up 9% year-on-year and nearly $3.3 billion higher than Pakistan's dwindling exports of $12.8 billion recorded during the same five-month period of FY2026. Workers' remittances, Pakistan's most vital foreign exchange lifeline, continued to show yearly growth during the first five months of FY26. According to central bank data compiled by Arif Habib Limited (AHL), remittance inflows climbed 9% year-on-year to $16.14 billion during July-November 2025 (5MFY26), compared to $14.77 billion during the same period last year.