Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Remittances to Pakistan remain above $2 billion for fourth month

REMITTANCES to Pakistan remained above $2 billion for a fourth consecutive month in September, the country's central bank said on Monday(12).

Money sent by Pakistani workers employed abroad increased to $2.3bn in September, a 31.2 per cent rise year-on-year and up 9 per cent compared to the previous month,


Remittances capping a higher than expected inflow of finances in the first quarter of FY21 for the South Asian nation, which has struggled with current account deficits and a depreciating currency.

"The level of remittances in September was slightly higher than SBP’s projections of $2 billion," the State Bank of Pakistan said in a statement, adding that first quarter figures were 31.1 per cent higher year-on-year.

Multiple factors contributed to the increase, including Pakistan's crackdown on illegal channels, said Samiullah Tariq, head of research and development at Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company.

Pakistan's ability to curb illegal financial transactions, including financing of militant and extremist groups, has been under close scrutiny from international financial watchdog the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which meets next week in Paris to review the country's progress on key action points.

“Remittances are consistently increasing due to a combination of factors including limited physical mobility of expats to Pakistani due to Covid-19 resulting in more transfers through official channels," Tariq said.

“Covid-19 test requirement is still there for the Middle East, UK and the US, major countries from where remittances come, so people are travelling less," said Saad Hashemy, executive director BMA Capital Management.

“Despite Covid-19 more good news for our economy,” prime minister Imran Khan tweeted on Monday before the central bank released the numbers.

More For You

Satya Nadella backs £30bn Microsoft push in UK
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella

Satya Nadella backs £30bn Microsoft push in UK

MICROSOFT CEO Satya Nadella on Wednesday (17) said the American tech giant is “doubling down” on its investments in Britain as US president Donald Trump began his state visit with the launch of a US-UK Tech Prosperity Deal.

The agreement focuses on advancing fast-growing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and nuclear innovation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaguar Land Rover’s factory in Solihull, Britain

FILE PHOTO: A member of staff works on the production line at Jaguar Land Rover’s factory in Solihull, Britain. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Government steps in as JLR cyber attack stalls output

BRITAIN's largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover, said a pause in production due to a cyber attack would now stretch to September 24, extending the stoppage at its plants to more than three weeks.

The luxury carmaker, owned by India's Tata Motors, said it shut down its systems in early September to contain the hack that has severely disrupted its retail and manufacturing operations.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK–Africa business summit 2025

UK–Africa business summit 2025

UK–Africa business summit 2025 highlights trade, technology and resilient partnerships

Highlights:

  • Dr Sudhir Ruparelia emphasised Uganda’s growing real estate, agriculture and tourism sectors.
  • Lord Dolar Popat called for closer Commonwealth ties between Africa, the UK and India.
  • Uganda’s ministers outlined regional integration, investment climate and agricultural transformation.
  • Spiritual leader Sant Trilochan Darshan Das Ji urged ethical entrepreneurship rooted in integrity.

The 15th edition of the UK–Africa Business Summit took place on Friday, 12 September at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, bringing together senior government leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and diaspora stakeholders to strengthen trade and investment ties between the UK and African nations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

India, US to discuss trade issues after tariff hike

INDIA and the United States will hold trade discussions in New Delhi on Tuesday, officials and Indian media reports said, as the two countries look to resolve a tariff dispute.

India currently faces high US tariffs on most of its exports and has not yet been able to reach a trade deal that would ease the pressure.

Keep ReadingShow less
Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Trade talks with US moving forward positively, says Indian minister Goyal

INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.

He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less