Karachi, January 15, 2026 — Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves recorded an increase of $56 million during the past week, reflecting improved external inflows, according to weekly data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The central bank said that Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves rose to $21.248 billion in the week ended January 9, 2026, compared with $21.192 billion in the preceding week. The rise indicates relative stability in the country’s external account amid ongoing global and domestic economic challenges.
Official foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased by $16 million, moving up from $16.056 billion to $16.072 billion during the reporting period. These reserves play a crucial role in meeting sovereign external debt obligations and managing exchange rate volatility.
Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks showed a stronger improvement. After increasing by $40 million, commercial banks’ reserves reached $5.176 billion, highlighting better liquidity conditions in the banking sector and steady inflows through trade-related financing and remittances.
Economic analysts view the rise in foreign exchange reserves as a positive development for Pakistan’s economy, as higher reserves strengthen the country’s ability to meet external payment requirements and reduce reliance on short-term borrowing. An improved reserve position also helps ease pressure on the Pakistani rupee, supports monetary stability, and boosts investor confidence.
Experts add that maintaining a stable reserve level remains essential for sustaining economic growth, ensuring smooth import financing, and safeguarding the economy against external shocks.