Remittances drive Pakistan\'s current account $100m surplus

Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $100 million in November 2025, reversing a deficit of $291 million in October, but the modest improvement came despite a sharp decline in goods exports and was driven almost entirely by remittances sent by overseas Pakistani labourers who continue to receive little to no institutional support from the state. Rather than reflecting a strengthening of export competitiveness or productive capacity, the surplus underscores Pakistan's growing dependence on remittance inflows generated by migrant workers, many of whom face systemic hurdles, harassment, and mistreatment at the hands of immigration, labour, and enforcement authorities, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The surplus comes despite clear stress on the trade front. Goods exports declined on a year-on-year basis, reflecting price pressures, lack of interest of corporations, and competitiveness challenges faced by Pakistan's export sectors.