The Federal Ministry of Finance has reported a 19% increase in the number of Pakistanis registering for overseas employment over the past year, with more than 75,000 individuals signing up in January 2026 alone, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.
According to the ministry’s latest Monthly Economic Update Outlook, 75,663 workers registered for employment abroad in January, compared to 63,559 in January 2025.
The report highlights that improved macroeconomic stability, reduced inflationary pressures, and government relief measures—including a Rs38 billion Ramadan package—are contributing to increased confidence among citizens.
Inflation is projected to remain between 6–7% this month, following a 5.8% rate recorded in January 2026.
The ministry attributed inflationary risks to geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuations in global commodity prices.
The report also noted balanced government revenues and expenditures, a controlled current account deficit, and a stable rupee.
Key economic indicators include growth in IT exports, improved business access to affordable credit, and a 4.8% increase in major industrial output over the past six months.
Remittances rose by 11.3% in the first seven months of the fiscal year, totaling $23.2 billion, while exports fell 5.5% to $8.3 billion. Imports, however, increased 9.8% during the same period.
The current account deficit exceeded $1 billion, and foreign direct investment declined by 41% to $98 million.
The State Bank’s foreign reserves improved from $11.2 billion to $16.2 billion.
Tax revenue grew 10.5% to Rs7,176 billion, while non-tax revenue fell 6.8% to Rs3,847 billion. Private sector credit fell to Rs638 billion, and the policy rate was reduced to 10.5%. The Pakistan Stock Exchange surged 48%, reaching 168,893 points.