Foreign investors pulled out $244 million in profits and dividends from Pakistan in July 2025, marking a sharp 75.3% rise compared to $139.1 million in the same month last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The surge in repatriations highlights improved investor confidence and strong returns on foreign investments in the country.
The majority of these outflows came from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which accounted for $243.8 million, while Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) contributed just $0.2 million.
Chinese investors led the trend with $88.8 million in repatriations, a massive 438% jump from $16.5 million in July 2024, driven mainly by profits from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The United Arab Emirates followed with $43.5 million, showing a 110% increase compared to $20.7 million last year.
European investors displayed mixed activity. The Netherlands recorded a sharp rise to $20.2 million from $2.9 million a year ago, while Germany also posted gains at $17.9 million. On the other hand, the UK’s repatriations dipped slightly to $25.6 million from $29.9 million, and France saw a steep fall from $30.6 million to just $0.6 million.
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Among other key players, US investors repatriated $6.2 million, Japan $7.8 million, while fresh inflows came from countries including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, and Saudi Arabia—nations that recorded no outflows in July 2024.
Sector-wise, coal-based power projects dominated with $60.6 million in profit repatriations compared to zero last year. Pharmaceuticals also saw strong growth with $22 million against just $0.2 million previously, while mining and quarrying contributed $19.7 million after no activity a year earlier. Petroleum refining recorded a notable jump to $15.4 million from $0.1 million in 2024. In contrast, the transport sector saw a decline to $16.8 million from $21.2 million.
The surge in repatriations reflects the success of foreign businesses operating in Pakistan and underscores the country’s improving investment climate. However, economists warn that higher capital outflows highlight the need for Pakistan to attract new foreign investment to balance payments and sustain economic stability.
