Multinationals repatriate $1.68 billion in profits from Pakistan in seven months of FY2025-26

Multinational companies (MNCs) operating in Pakistan have transferred $1.68 billion in profit and dividends to their headquarters abroad in the first seven months of the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 26% increase compared to $1.33 billion during the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

In January 2026, the repatriation of profits and dividends reached $118.9 million, a 15.5% rise compared to January 2025, and a 34% increase from December 2025. The previous year saw foreign firms repatriate $102.39 million in January 2025 and $88.8 million in December 2025.

The power sector led the way in profit outflows, with $41.1 million sent abroad in January 2026, followed by the transport sector at $24.5 million. Other sectors such as food companies and communications firms repatriated $18.7 million and $14.6 million, respectively.

Cumulatively, for the first seven months of FY2025-26, companies in the power sector repatriated the largest share, amounting to $400.2 million, followed by the financial sector at $371.3 million. The food and communication sectors sent $142.4 million and $132.3 million, respectively, during the same period.

Other industries, including beverages, tobacco, chemicals, and oil and gas exploration, saw profit and dividend repatriations in the range of $14 million to $91 million.

The overall surge in profit repatriation is attributed to increased foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan and the announcement of dividends by companies listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and others. This upward trend highlights a significant rebound in foreign financial flows to MNCs operating in the country.

According to the SBP, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $21.30 billion as of February 13, 2026.