SYDNEY — The Consulate General of Pakistan in Sydney hosted a special ceremony to celebrate a record $1.14 billion in remittances sent from Australia to Pakistan during the 2025-26 financial year.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia, Irfan Shaukat, attended the event along with representatives of banks, remittance companies, business associations, community organizations and other stakeholders.
High Commissioner Praises Pakistani Community
Addressing the ceremony, High Commissioner Irfan Shaukat praised the Pakistani community in Australia for its continued support.
He also recognized the contribution of banks, exchange companies and remittance service providers in achieving the record figure.
Shaukat stressed the importance of strengthening formal remittance channels. He said stronger financial links could further improve economic ties between Pakistan and Australia.
Remittance Providers Highlight Their Role
Munir Muhammad, Director of the Australian Remittance and Currency Providers Association, highlighted the role of service providers in facilitating formal remittances to Pakistan.
Honorary Tax Adviser Ali Chauhan emphasized the importance of financial awareness and greater community investment in Pakistan.
Bank Alfalah representative Parvez Shehbaz discussed the role of banks in providing secure and efficient remittance services. He also highlighted the need to increase awareness of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA).
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Community Contribution to Pakistan’s Economy
Chaudhry Shakeeb, Patron-in-Chief of the Australia Pakistan Youth Association Sydney, highlighted the Pakistani community’s contribution to Pakistan’s social and economic development.
State Bank of Pakistan representative Arshad Sattar stressed the importance of formal remittance channels and continued cooperation among stakeholders.
Speakers at the event encouraged the Pakistani community in Australia to maintain its contribution to Pakistan’s economic and social development.
They also emphasized the importance of increasing community investment in Pakistan and making greater use of the strong financial and economic links between the two countries.
Australian Remittances More Than Double Since FY2020-21
Official figures highlighted the sharp increase in remittances from Australia to Pakistan in recent years.
Remittances rose from $598 million in FY2020-21 to $1.14 billion in FY2025-26.
The increase reflects the growing contribution of Pakistanis living in Australia and the strengthening economic relationship between the two countries.
The speakers expressed their commitment to further increasing remittance flows through formal channels.
Ceremony Concludes in Sydney
Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney Qamar Zaman thanked all participants for attending the ceremony.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the record remittance milestone.
