Foreign investors repatriate $244 million in July, up 75% from last year

Foreign investors in Pakistan repatriated $244 million in profits and dividends in July 2025, marking a 75% increase from $139 million in July 2024, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. 

Most of the outflow, $243.8 million, was linked to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), up 82% from $134 million in the same period last year. Outflows from Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) fell to $0.2 million in July 2025, down from $5.3 million in July 2024.

During FY25, restrictions on profit repatriation were lifted, allowing foreign investors to transfer full profits and dividends. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed said no payments to foreign investors remained pending as of June 2025, and the central bank’s reserves surpassed $14 billion.

The data shows that improved macroeconomic stability and adequate foreign exchange reserves have encouraged higher FDI-related outflows while limiting FPI withdrawals.

Economists attributed the rise in profit repatriation to improved economic conditions and higher profitability. Surveys by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and Gallup Pakistan indicate that overall business confidence has strengthened over the past year, entering positive territory for the first time in three years.