ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $22.588 billion in the week ending May 15, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the central bank said its own reserves during the week stood at $17.081 billion.
According to the SBP, net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.507 billion, taking the country’s total liquid reserves to $22.588 billion.
During the week ended May 15, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.214 billion to reach $17.081 billion.
Total liquid foreign #reserves held by the country stood at US$22.59 billion as of May 15, 2026.
For details: https://t.co/WpSgomnKT3
#SBPReserves pic.twitter.com/MUMuHIVnlE— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) May 21, 2026
The increase in the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves is primarily driven by inflows received from the International Monetary Fund under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), along with proceeds generated through the issuance of Panda Bonds.
However, the reserves were partially offset by external debt repayments during the period.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee recorded a marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Thursday, closing at 278.55 against the greenback.
Economists view the latest inflow as important for maintaining external sector stability and supporting investor confidence.
However, they warn that Pakistan continues to face challenges from weak growth, inflation risks, tax base challenges, and large financing requirements.
