ISLAMABAD, April 21, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has completed a $3 billion financial support package for Pakistan, with the latest $1 billion tranche deposited in the State Bank of Pakistan to help bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The central bank said on Tuesday it received the second tranche of $1 billion from Saudi Arabia’s finance ministry with a value date of April 20, following an earlier inflow of $2 billion on April 15. The disbursements fulfill a recently agreed $3 billion arrangement aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s external position.
The development comes shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Kingdom, where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. During the visit, Sharif expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s continued support for Pakistan’s economy and reaffirmed bilateral cooperation amid evolving regional dynamics.
Officials said the latest inflows have provided support to Pakistan’s reserves at a time when the country faces external financing pressures. The funding also follows Pakistan’s recent repayment of $2 billion to the United Arab Emirates, which had been held as a deposit with the central bank.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had earlier said Saudi Arabia would extend $3 billion in fresh financial assistance and had also rolled over its existing $5 billion deposit, removing the requirement for annual renewal.
Analysts say the Saudi support will help stabilise Pakistan’s external account by strengthening reserves and easing near-term repayment pressures. However, they caution that sustained improvement will depend on structural reforms and export growth.
Saudi Arabia has long been a key financial partner for Pakistan, providing support during periods of economic stress. In 2018, Riyadh extended a $6 billion assistance package that included deposits and oil supply facilities.
The latest funding underscores continued economic cooperation between the two countries as Pakistan seeks to maintain macroeconomic stability and rebuild investor confidence.