Over 75,000 Pakistanis register for overseas jobs in January

Pakistan's economic outlook has improved, citing enhanced macroeconomic stability and a reduction in inflationary pressures

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 27th, 2026) The Federal Ministry of Finance has reported a 19 percent increase in the number of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad over the past year, stating that more than 75,000 individuals registered for overseas jobs in January 2026 alone.

The Ministry’s Monthly Economic Update and Outlook Report unveiled that 75,663 workers registered for foreign employment in January 2026, compared to 63,559 in January last year, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase.

The report maintained that the country’s economic outlook has improved, citing enhanced macroeconomic stability and a reduction in inflationary pressures. It highlighted the government’s Rs38 billion Ramazan relief package aimed at providing financial support to citizens.

The Ministry projected inflation to remain between 6 and 7 percent in the ongoing month, while the inflation rate was recorded at 5.8 percent in January 2026. It cautioned that geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuations in global commodity prices pose potential risks to price stability.

On the fiscal front, the report noted an improved balance between government revenues and expenditures, adding that the current account deficit remains manageable and the rupee has shown stability.

Growth in Information Technology (IT) exports and the availability of relatively affordable financing were cited as factors supporting business activity.

Data showed that large-scale manufacturing posted a 4.8 percent increase over the past six months. During the first seven months of the fiscal year, remittances rose by 11.3 percent to $23.2 billion from July to January. However, exports declined by 5.5 percent to $8.3 billion in the same period, while imports increased by 9.8 percent.

The report further revealed that the current account deficit exceeded $1 billion during July–January, while foreign direct investment fell by 41 percent to $980 million.

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

Regarding business activity, credit to the private sector declined to Rs638 billion, the policy rate was reduced to 10.5 percent, and the pakistan stock exchange surged by 48 percent to close at 168,893 points.

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