Pakistan, Nov. 14 -- Pakistan's crucial $40 billion annual workers' remittances are facing a serious threat as the number of Pakistanis going abroad for employment has dropped by 25% this year.

This alarming disclosure was made by Asad Hafeez Kiyani, former Chairman of the Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA), while talking about the deteriorating state of overseas employment.

According to official data shared by POEPA, only 476,240 Pakistanis were able to secure employment abroad from January to October 2026. In comparison, 636,270 Pakistanis had gone abroad for jobs during the same period last year.

The figures show a decline of over 160,000 workers, which translates to a 25% year-on-year drop.

Kiyani said this...