Overseas Pakistanis continue to be a lifeline for the country, consistently sending increasing amounts of foreign exchange. In a promising sign, the current hybrid regime has pledged to explore meaningful ways to reward them. In March 2025 alone, remittances reached an all-time high of $4.1 billion, reflecting a 37 per cent year-on-year increase.

State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed has projected that total remittances for the current fiscal year ending in June could reach $38bn, surpassing the initial target of $36bn. Between July 2024 and March 2025, Pakistan has already received $28bn from its 10 million-strong diaspora, a 33pc increase over the same period last year.

This is a positive and stabilising development. The government is reportedly considering a reserved quota for overseas Pakistanis in parliament and is eager to attract their investment in viable sectors such as mining, agriculture, and information technology. Swiftly executing these initiatives could strengthen trust and help sustain the current remittance momentum.

These larger-than-expected inflows will be crucial in managing Pakistan’s current account amidst a widening trade deficit and could help stabilise the rupee — provided the trade deficit does not spiral or remittance growth falters.

Though positive efforts are underway, sustained progress hinges on more........

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