Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomes the rise in SBP-held foreign exchange reserves to $21.4 billion, citing stronger remittances, services exports and external stability.
ISLAMABAD, September 18, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves reaching $21.4 billion, describing the development as another milestone towards economic stability.
The latest SBP data show that reserves held by the central bank stood at $21.389 billion as of September 11, 2026, while total liquid foreign exchange reserves, including those held by commercial banks, stood at $26.791 billion.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, Shehbaz Sharif said the increase reflected sustained efforts by the Government and its economic team, as well as the impact of measures taken to strengthen the economy.
The Prime Minister attributed the improvement in Pakistan’s foreign exchange position to higher remittances and services exports, a better current account position and fiscal discipline.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s return to international capital markets, saying it demonstrated renewed global confidence in the country’s economy.
PM highlights stronger external position
According to Shehbaz Sharif, higher foreign exchange reserves would strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to meet its external payment obligations and improve its ability to withstand global economic challenges.
He said a more stable external position could create opportunities for greater investor confidence, increased investment and sustainable economic growth.
The Prime Minister praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the SBP governor and the Government’s economic team for their contributions to strengthening the country’s reserve position.
He also acknowledged the role of overseas Pakistanis, whose remittances have contributed to improvements in the country’s external position.
Rise in reserves linked to SBP purchases
Shehbaz Sharif further pointed out that the latest increase in foreign exchange reserves differed from some previous episodes of reserve accumulation, as it was not driven by increased external borrowing.
Instead, he said the rise was primarily supported by the SBP’s purchase of foreign exchange.
The Prime Minister also noted that the central bank had significantly reduced its outstanding foreign exchange-related obligations, which he said had further contributed to the improvement in Pakistan’s reserve position.
The SBP’s latest figures show a sharp increase in central-bank reserves from $18.328 billion on September 4 to $21.389 billion on September 11.
Government targets sustained economic stability
Shehbaz Sharif said the latest development reflected progress towards strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving Pakistan’s resilience against external shocks.
He expressed confidence that continued improvement in the country’s external position would support greater investor confidence and provide a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.