19% Increase in Overseas Employment as Over 75,000 Register in January 2026: Finance Ministry

**Islamabad:** The Ministry of Finance has reported a 19 percent increase in the number of citizens leaving Pakistan for overseas employment over the past year, with more than 75,000 individuals registering in January 2026 alone.

According to the ministry’s monthly Economic Update Outlook report, 75,663 workers registered for overseas jobs in January 2026, compared to 63,559 during the same month last year.

The report claims that prospects for economic growth have improved, citing enhanced macroeconomic stability and easing inflationary pressures. It also highlighted the provision of a Rs38 billion Ramadan relief package for the public.

The ministry projected inflation to remain between 6 to 7 percent this month, while it stood at 5.8 percent in January 2026. However, it warned that geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuations in global commodity prices pose potential risks.

The report stated that the balance between government revenues and expenditures has improved, the current account deficit remains under control, and the rupee has stayed stable. It also noted growth in IT exports and improved business conditions due to cheaper credit.

Large-scale manufacturing recorded a 4.8 percent increase during the first six months of the fiscal year. Workers’ remittances rose by 11.3 percent in the first seven months, reaching $23.2 billion from July to January. During the same period, exports declined by 5.5 percent to $8.3 billion, while imports increased by 9.8 percent.

The current account deficit exceeded $1 billion from July to January, while foreign direct investment declined by 41 percent to $980 million.

Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased from $11.2 billion to $16.2 billion. Tax revenue grew by 10.5 percent to Rs7,176 billion in six months, whereas non-tax revenue declined by 6.8 percent to Rs3,847 billion.

Private sector credit shrank to Rs638 billion, while the policy rate fell to 10.5 percent. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Stock Exchange surged by 48 percent, reaching 168,893 points.

The ministry further reported a 26 percent increase in new company registrations, with 25,554 companies registered during the period under review.