The Consulate General of Pakistan, Sydney hosted a ceremony today to celebrate the remarkable achievement of USD 1 billion in remittances from Australia to Pakistan during FY 2025–26.
H.E. Irfan Shaukat, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia, along with representatives of banks and remittance service providers, business associations, community representatives and other stakeholders, attended the ceremony.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the significant contribution of the Pakistani diaspora, banks, exchange companies and remittance service providers in achieving this important milestone. He appreciated the continued support of the Pakistani community in Australia and emphasized the importance of strengthening formal remittance channels and promoting greater financial and economic linkages between Pakistan and Australia.
The speakers included Mr. Munir Muhammad, Director, Australian Remittance and Currency Providers Association, who highlighted the role of remittance service providers in facilitating formal remittance flows to Pakistan; Mr. Ali Chowhan, Honorary Tax Advisor, who emphasized financial awareness and the importance of diaspora investment in Pakistan; Mr. Pervaiz Shahbaz, Bank Alfalah, who highlighted the role of banks in facilitating efficient and secure remittance services and raising awareness about Roshan Digital Account (RDA) facilities; Mr. Chaudhry Shakaib, Patron-in-Chief, Australia Pakistan Youth Association, Sydney, who emphasized the role of the Pakistani diaspora in contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic development; and Mr. Arshad Sattar, State Bank of Pakistan, who stressed the importance of formal remittance channels and continued collaboration among stakeholders.
The speakers expressed their commitment to further increasing remittance flows and encouraged the Pakistani diaspora in Australia to continue contributing to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. The importance of promoting greater investment by the Pakistani diaspora in Pakistan was also highlighted, with emphasis on leveraging the strong economic and financial linkages between the two countries.
Remittances from Australia to Pakistan have increased significantly from USD 598 million in FY 2020–21 to USD 1.14 billion in FY 2025–26, reflecting the growing contribution of the Pakistani diaspora and the strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and Australia.
Mr. Qamar Zaman, Consul General of Pakistan thanked the participants for making it a successful event and assured the participants of all possible support in their business ventures.
