Sydney: The Consulate General of Pakistan in Sydney held a ceremony today to mark the milestone achievement of USD 1 billion in remittances sent from Australia to Pakistan during the fiscal year 2025-26.

According to Press Information Department, the event was attended by H.E. Irfan Shaukat, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia, along with representatives from banks, remittance service providers, business associations, and community groups. The High Commissioner acknowledged the critical role played by the Pakistani diaspora, financial institutions, and remittance service providers in reaching this milestone. He emphasized the need to strengthen formal remittance channels and enhance economic linkages between the two countries.

Several speakers addressed the gathering, including Mr. Munir Muhammad, Director of the Australian Remittance and Currency Providers Association, and Mr. Ali Chowhan, Honorary Tax Advisor. They discussed the importance of financial awareness and investment in Pakistan. Mr. Pervaiz Shahbaz from Bank Alfalah highlighted the role of banks in facilitating secure remittance services, while Mr. Chaudhry Shakaib, Patron-in-Chief of the Australia Pakistan Youth Association, emphasized the diaspora’s contribution to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. Mr. Arshad Sattar from the State Bank of Pakistan stressed the importance of formal remittance channels.

The event underscored the commitment to increasing remittance flows and encouraged further investment from the Pakistani community in Australia. The growth in remittances, which rose from USD 598 million in FY 2020-21 to USD 1.14 billion in FY 2025-26, reflects the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

Mr. Qamar Zaman, Consul General of Pakistan, expressed gratitude to the participants and assured them of continued support in their business endeavors.