KEY POINTS
- Second consecutive surplus after $60 million recorded in January
- Largest surplus so far in 2026 and highest since March 2025
- Improvement driven by stronger remittances and controlled imports
- External sector stability seen supporting investor confidence
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $427 million in February 2026, marking the second consecutive monthly surplus and signalling continued stabilisation in the country’s external accounts.
Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that the February surplus followed a smaller $60 million surplus in January, indicating an improving balance in Pakistan’s international payments.
The February figure represents the largest current account surplus recorded so far in 2026 and the highest monthly surplus since March 2025, when the country posted a surplus of about $1.28 billion.
Economists say the improvement reflects a combination of consistent workers’ remittances, steady export earnings and restrained import growth, which together helped narrow external financing pressures.
The current account, a key indicator of trade in goods and services, income flows and remittances, has been closely watched by investors and international lenders as Pakistan works to maintain macroeconomic stability.
A sustained surplus or a manageable deficit in the current account reduces pressure on foreign exchange reserves. It also strengthens the national currency, improving the country’s ability to meet external debt obligations.
Analysts say the recent improvement in Pakistan’s external balance could strengthen investor sentiment.
It would also facilitate ongoing economic reforms backed by international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund.
Despite the positive trend, economists caution that the sustainability of the surplus will depend on export performance, global commodity prices and remittance inflows in the coming months.
