Overseas Pakistanis Send Record Remittances Despite Imran Khan’s Boycott Call: A Deep Dive

In March 2025, Pakistan experienced a significant event in its economic history. Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis reached an all-time high, crossing the $4 billion mark for the first time in a single month. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country received $4.1 billion in March alone, marking a significant milestone. This surge has sparked widespread discussion, not just about the economic implications, but also about the political backdrop, especially considering the earlier call by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Boycott Call sending money to Pakistan.

Imran Khan’s Boycott Call and Its Aftermath

In December 2024, Imran Khan, from his prison cell in Adiala Jail, made headlines when he called upon overseas Pakistanis to halt sending remittances to Pakistan. He framed this call as a part of a larger civil disobedience campaign against what he termed an “unjust system” and an illegitimate government. He claimed that withholding remittances would pressurize the ruling administration, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to call for early elections and address the concerns of his supporters. Imran Khan Agrees to Negotiations to Save the Country

Imran Khan Agrees to Negotiations to Save the Country

However, the data tells a different story. Instead of declining, remittances increased significantly.In January 2025, just weeks after Imran Khan’s statement, Pakistan received almost $3 billion in remittances. This amount is a 25% increase compared to the same time last year. The momentum continued into February and March, culminating in the record-breaking $4.1 billion in March. These numbers suggest that overseas Pakistanis either ignored Imran Khan’s appeal or prioritized their families’ needs over political calls.

Why Are Remittances Increasing?

There are several key reasons why remittances have surged, and political directives appear to have had little effect on the financial decisions of overseas Pakistanis.

Religious Festivals: Ramadan and Eid

March 2025 coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr. These occasions traditionally see a spike in remittances as Pakistanis living abroad send extra money to their families for religious and cultural celebrations. This pattern is observed every year, but this year’s numbers were particularly high.

Inflation and Rising Costs

in Pakistan Inflation in Pakistan has remained stubbornly high. Everyday necessities, from groceries to utility bills, have become more expensive. Overseas Pakistanis, many of whom are the sole breadwinners for their families back home, are sending more money to help their loved ones manage rising expenses.

According to economist Khurram Shehzad, many Pakistanis abroad are not sending money for savings or investment, but for day-to-day survival of their families. “They have no choice. Their families are struggling, and they are doing what they can to help.”

Tightening of Informal Channels (Hawala/Hundi)

In recent months, the Pakistani government has cracked down hard on informal money transfer systems like hawala and hundi. These channels were previously used widely due to better exchange rates and ease of use. However, stricter enforcement and regulations have made it riskier and more difficult to use these services.

As a result, more people are now using formal banking systems, which automatically reflects as a rise in documented remittances. The removal of the gap between interbank and open market dollar rates has also made legal channels more attractive.

More Pakistanis Migrating Abroad

According to data provided by economic adviser Muzzammil Aslam, around 3 million Pakistanis have moved abroad since 2022. This large-scale migration has added to the pool of people sending money back home. Many people have relocated to the Gulf region, the UK, the US, and Canada in search of better job opportunities.

With more earners abroad, it’s natural that the volume of remittances would rise.

Government Incentives and Banking Innovations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, as well as the previous administration, introduced several initiatives to encourage formal remittances. One of the most successful was the introduction of Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs), launched during Imran Khan’s tenure.

These accounts allow overseas Pakistanis to send money and even invest in Pakistan with ease. Although the idea came from PTI’s time in power, the current government has continued promoting and supporting the scheme. The result is a more efficient and trustworthy banking infrastructure, making it easier and more appealing to send money legally.

Where Is the Money Coming From?

The majority of remittances still come from the Gulf countries. Here’s a breakdown of the top sources in March 2025:

• Saudi Arabia: $987 million
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): $840 million
• United Kingdom: $680 million
• United States: $420 million

These four countries alone contributed over $2.9 billion, showing the importance of the Pakistani diaspora in these regions.

Imran Khan’s Boycott Call And Political Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The rise in remittances has triggered reactions across the political spectrum.

Government officials and PML-N supporters quickly joined in the celebration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked overseas Pakistanis for their support and called them the backbone of the economy. He stated, “This shows that our brothers and sisters abroad trust the government. We are proud of them.”

On social media, many users mocked Imran Khan’s call for a boycott, calling it ineffective. One user posted, “PTI told overseas Pakistanis not to send money. They responded by sending more than ever before. That’s the real story.”

Some PTI leaders, like Muzzammil Aslam, tried to downplay the surge. They argued that the numbers are not extraordinary when considered in the context of inflation and increased migration. “These are not impressive figures,” he said. “Families are not sending savings, they are just trying to survive.”

However, even PTI supporters had to admit that the boycott call did not gain traction.

Imran Khan’s Boycott Call Impact On Economic

Remittances play a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy. They help reduce the current account deficit, support foreign exchange reserves, and stabilize the currency. Unlike foreign loans, remittances are a reliable and consistent source of income.

Economist Farhan Mehmood emphasized that remittances have now become even more important than exports in terms of bringing in foreign exchange. “Pakistan’s exports are struggling, but remittances are keeping the economy afloat,” he explained.

The government is now targeting $38 billion in remittances by the end of the fiscal year, a figure that would be the highest in the country’s history.

Conclusion Of Imran Khan’s Boycott Call

Despite political drama and calls for financial protest, overseas Pakistanis have shown that they remain committed to their families and to Pakistan’s future. The rise in remittances, especially after Imran Khan’s boycott call, shows that practical needs and personal responsibilities often outweigh political appeals.

This moment also highlights the importance of maintaining trust in formal financial systems and supporting policies that make legal money transfers easier. As Pakistan continues to navigate economic challenges, the support of its diaspora remains one of its strongest assets.

Whether motivated by love for their families, religious duty, or a sense of national loyalty