Karachi, January 16, 2025 – The net foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan witnessed a notable increase of $73 million on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. This marks a positive development for the country’s financial stability amid ongoing economic challenges.
The net foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan rose to $16.451 billion as of the week ending January 10, 2025, compared to $16.378 billion recorded a week earlier, on January 3, 2025. This increase reflects a steady improvement in the country’s ability to manage its external obligations and support its economy.
The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan also climbed by $30 million, reaching $11.725 billion as of January 10, 2025. This is up from $11.695 billion recorded during the previous week. Analysts attribute this increase to improved inflows from remittances and enhanced foreign currency deposits with the central bank, which have provided a cushion against external economic pressures.
Similarly, the foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks in Pakistan saw a gain of $43 million, rising to $4.726 billion by the week ending January 10, 2025. This is an increase from $4.683 billion reported a week earlier. The consistent growth in commercial bank reserves underscores the stability of private-sector foreign currency holdings, which play a critical role in the country’s financial ecosystem.
This upward trend in foreign exchange reserves offers a glimmer of hope for Pakistan’s economy, which has been grappling with challenges such as a depreciating rupee and rising external debt obligations. The improvement in reserves reflects the impact of proactive measures taken by the government and the central bank to attract foreign inflows and enhance financial stability.
Moving forward, Pakistan’s economic resilience will depend on sustained efforts to boost exports, attract foreign direct investment, and streamline remittance channels. Strengthening foreign exchange reserves remains vital for Pakistan’s economic growth and its ability to navigate global financial uncertainties. Stakeholders will closely monitor future trends to ensure continued progress in stabilizing the country’s financial position.
