Key points
- SBP reserves rise $3.06 billion week-on-week to $21.39 billion
- Total liquid reserves reach $26.79 billion, highest in five years
- Remittances, services exports and improved external balance support reserve accumulation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed gratitude as foreign exchange reserves reached a record of $26.8 billion.
The Prime Minister described the development as another milestone in efforts to strengthen the country’s economic stability.
The latest State Bank of Pakistan data shows that reserves with the central bank rose by $3.06 billion, or 16.7 per cent, to $21.389 billion in the week ended September 11, 2026, from $18.328 billion a week earlier.
Proceeds from Pakistan’s international Eurobond issuance enabled the increase.
Commercial banks’ reserves also increased by $14.6 million to $5.402 billion.
Consequently, the country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves climbed by $3.075 billion, or nearly 13 per cent, to $26.791 billion from $23.716 billion a week earlier, according to the SBP.
The Prime Minister said the improvement reflected the economic team’s hard work and measures taken to strengthen the country’s external position.
He said stronger workers’ remittances and services exports, an improved current account position and fiscal discipline help rebuild foreign exchange reserves.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s renewed access to international capital markets, which reflected improved confidence in the country’s economy.
Pakistan’s better external finance
The rise in reserves strengthens the central bank’s capacity to meet external payment obligations and provides a larger buffer against international economic and financial pressures, he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said a more stable external position would help strengthen investor confidence and create greater scope for investment and sustainable economic growth.
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He appreciated Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, the economic team and overseas Pakistanis for their contribution to strengthening the country’s external account position.
The latest reserve figures reflect a significant improvement in the country’s external-sector indicators. The SBP has also linked sustained remittance inflows to rebuilding foreign exchange reserves and an improved current account position.
Pakistan’s total liquid reserves of $26.79 billion represent a substantial buffer compared with the position earlier in the year, while the SBP’s holdings alone now stand at about $21.4 billion.
