Karachi, March 5, 2026: Pakistan’s total foreign exchange (forex) reserves increased by $26 million for the week ended February 27, 2026, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The reserves rose to $21.434 billion, compared to $21.408 billion in the previous week.
SBP’s official reserves strengthened by $87 million, reaching $16.30 billion, while the reserves held by commercial banks saw a slight decline of $61 million, dropping to $5.134 billion. The increase in SBP reserves reflects modest improvements in external inflows, while commercial bank reserves faced minor withdrawals amid ongoing liquidity management.
Pakistan Forex Reserves (Week Ended Feb 27, 2026)
| Component | Feb 20, 2026 (USD Billion) | Feb 27, 2026 (USD Billion) | Change (USD Million) |
| Total Forex Reserves | 21.408 | 21.434 | +26 |
| SBP Official Reserves | 16.213 | 16.300 | +87 |
| Commercial Banks’ Reserves | 5.195 | 5.134 | -61 |
Pakistan is currently in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the third review of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. Economists suggest that a successful review could trigger the release of another IMF tranche, which would further bolster the country’s forex reserves.
Analysts believe that while the increase is modest, it signals a gradual stabilization of Pakistan’s external sector. Maintaining healthy forex reserves is crucial for ensuring the country can meet import requirements, manage external debt obligations, and support overall economic stability.