ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s forex Reserves reserves have increased by $56 million, reaching a total of $21.25 billion, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This uptick is viewed by economists as a positive signal for the nation’s strained economy.
The growth was recorded across both central and commercial bank holdings. The SBP’s own reserves rose by $16 million to $16.72 billion, while dollar deposits held by commercial banks saw a larger increase of $40 million, bringing their total to $5.177 billion.
The accumulation of foreign currency reserves is a critical buffer for Pakistan, which faces significant external debt obligations and import financing needs. Analysts suggest that this marginal increase, though modest, can help reduce immediate pressures on external payments and contribute to greater currency stability. It may also provide the central bank with slightly enhanced capacity to manage the rupee’s exchange rate.
The reserve level remains a key indicator monitored by international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), under Pakistan’s ongoing loan program. Sustained build-up is essential for meeting the country’s substantial foreign financing requirements in the coming months.
While the increase is welcomed, experts caution that continued inflows from multilateral partners, remittances, and export proceeds are necessary to consolidate this stability and build a more robust financial safety net for the economy.
