Karachi, November 6, 2025 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Thursday that the country’s total foreign exchange (forex) reserves declined by $24 million during the week ended October 31, 2025, reflecting a slight dip in overall external holdings.
According to the SBP’s latest data, Pakistan’s total forex reserves fell to $19.664 billion, compared to $19.688 billion recorded a week earlier on October 24, 2025. The decline was mainly attributed to a decrease in commercial banks’ reserves, despite a modest rise in the central bank’s official reserves.
The SBP’s official reserves increased by $31 million, reaching $14.503 billion by October 31, up from $14.472 billion the previous week. In contrast, commercial banks’ reserves dropped by $55 million, settling at $5.161 billion from $5.216 billion a week ago.
Analysts noted that the decline in total reserves remains marginal and temporary, with positive developments expected in the coming weeks. The country anticipates an increase in forex inflows from international lenders, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently stated that the IMF Executive Board is expected to approve and release $1.2 billion under the ongoing program in the first week of December 2025. This disbursement, once received, will provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s reserve position, strengthening the country’s external sector and supporting exchange rate stability.