KARACHI, April 9 – Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $105 million in the week ended April 3, the State Bank of Pakistan said on Thursday, offering modest support to the country’s external position.
Total liquid reserves held by the country rose to $21.895 billion, compared with $21.79 billion a week earlier, according to official data released by the central bank.
Reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan edged up by $18 million to $16.40 billion during the week, from $16.382 billion previously. Meanwhile, commercial banks’ holdings increased by $87 million to $5.495 billion.
The uptick comes as Pakistan navigates a fragile balance between inflows and external debt repayments. Analysts say the central bank has so far managed to maintain relative stability in reserves despite persistent financing pressures.
However, upcoming external obligations may weigh on the outlook. Pakistan made a foreign payment of $1.42 billion during the week against maturing Eurobond liabilities, which is expected to be reflected in the next set of reserve data. Repayments to the United Arab Emirates are also likely to add pressure in the coming weeks.
Market participants say the trajectory of reserves will largely depend on continued external financing. Ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund is seen as critical, with expectations of inflows of about $1.21 billion following approval by the Fund’s executive board.
Economists note that while the latest increase is encouraging, sustaining reserve levels will require timely disbursements from multilateral lenders and careful management of external payments.