Key Points
- State Bank foreign exchange reserves rise by $16 million
- Total SBP-held reserves reach $16.07 billion
- Overall, external buffers remain under pressure despite an uptick
ISLAMABAD: Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $16 million to $16.07 billion during the latest reporting week, indicating a marginal improvement in the country’s external finance position.
According to the SBP data released in a statement on Thursday, the foreign exchange reserves in the central bank’s account amounted to $16.07 billion. At the same time, commercial banks are maintaining net foreign reserves totalling $5.18 billion. Adding the two would take Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves to Rs 21.25.
Official inflows and routine balance-of-payments transactions drove the improvement in foreign exchange reserves. The rise offered limited relief to Pakistan’s reserve buffers, which have faced sustained pressure from external debt repayments and import-related outflows.
The SBP did not provide a detailed breakdown of inflows for the week, a standard practice in its weekly reserve disclosures. Analysts said such incremental increases usually reflect multilateral or bilateral inflows, proceeds from official financing, or short-term adjustments linked to foreign currency settlements.
Despite the latest increase, Pakistan’s reserve position remains closely watched by markets and policymakers, given ongoing financing needs and upcoming external obligations.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that strengthening foreign exchange buffers remains a priority, supported by external financing, export growth and remittance inflows.
The central bank has maintained that recent stability in the exchange rate and improved current account management are helping contain pressure on reserves, even as broader challenges persist.
