Karachi, February 19, 2026 – Pakistan’s net foreign exchange reserves declined by $73 million during the week ended February 13, 2026, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday.
The total liquid foreign exchange reserves of the country stood at $21.302 billion, down from $21.375 billion recorded in the previous week ended February 6, 2026. The decline was mainly attributed to a sharp fall in reserves held by commercial banks.
According to the SBP, the official foreign exchange reserves maintained by the central bank witnessed a $19 million increase, reaching $16.197 billion by the week ended February 13, 2026, compared to $16.178 billion a week earlier.
However, the foreign exchange reserves of commercial banks dropped significantly by $92 million, falling to $5.105 billion from $5.197 billion in the preceding week. This decline offset the gains made by the central bank, resulting in an overall reduction in total reserves.
| Category | Feb 6, 2026 ($ bn) | Feb 13, 2026 ($ bn) | Change |
| SBP Reserves | 16.178 | 16.197 | +0.019 |
| Commercial Banks | 5.197 | 5.105 | -0.092 |
| Total Reserves | 21.375 | 21.302 | -0.073 |
Economists believe Pakistan must strengthen its foreign exchange reserves to maintain external sector stability, support imports, meet debt obligations, and stabilize the local currency amid global economic uncertainties.
Meanwhile, policymakers remain focused on securing fresh inflows through exports, remittances, and external financing to strengthen reserve buffers.