Karachi, March 20, 2025 – Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves saw an increase of $187 million over the past week, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. The rise in reserves signals improved financial stability, offering some relief amid external economic challenges.
The SBP reported that the country’s total net liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $16.016 billion as of March 14, 2025, up from $15.929 billion recorded a week earlier on March 7, 2025. This increase in reserves reflects the impact of recent financial inflows and efforts to strengthen the nation’s external position.
According to SBP data, the central bank’s own foreign exchange reserves increased by $49 million, reaching $11.147 billion by the week ended March 14, 2025, compared to $11.098 billion in the previous week. Analysts suggest that the rise in SBP reserves was supported by steady remittance inflows and foreign currency deposits, which have helped the bank maintain a more stable reserve position.
Experts in the financial sector believe that upcoming inflows under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will further bolster SBP reserves, enhancing Pakistan’s ability to meet external financial obligations and manage exchange rate volatility. The IMF-backed program is expected to provide much-needed liquidity, ensuring that the SBP can continue to stabilize reserves in the coming months.
Additionally, the foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks also recorded an increase of $38 million, reaching $4.869 billion by March 14, 2025, compared to $4.831 billion a week earlier. This upward trend in reserves at both the SBP and commercial banks highlights improved financial inflows, reinforcing the country’s overall forex position.
Moving forward, policymakers and financial experts will closely monitor the reserves situation, with a focus on securing further inflows to sustain the country’s economic stability. Strengthening SBP reserves remains a priority, ensuring Pakistan can navigate external pressures and maintain a healthy balance in its foreign exchange reserves.