foreign exchange

SBP Forex Reserves Climb to $16.5 Billion on Multilateral Inflows

Money & Banking

Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reach $22 billion as central bank holdings post a weekly gain of $611 million.

Pakistan’s SBP forex reserves increased by $611 million during the week ended June 24, 2026, reaching $16.53 billion, mainly due to government inflows received from multilateral financial institutions. The latest figures reflect a continued improvement in the country’s external financial position.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves rose from $15.916 billion recorded on June 19, 2026, to $16.527 billion as of June 24, 2026. The increase was primarily attributed to official inflows secured by the government from multilateral lenders, providing a boost to Pakistan’s external account.

The central bank stated that the country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves climbed to $22.045 billion during the reporting week, compared with $21.485 billion a week earlier. This represents an overall weekly increase of nearly $560 million, underscoring improved liquidity in the country’s foreign exchange holdings.

Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks recorded a slight decline during the same period.

The banking sector’s net foreign reserves fell to $5.517 billion on June 24, down from $5.568 billion on June 19. Despite the marginal decrease in commercial bank holdings, the substantial increase in the SBP’s reserves helped lift the country’s overall foreign exchange position.

The latest improvement in the central bank’s reserves is considered a positive development for Pakistan’s economy, as stronger foreign exchange holdings enhance the country’s ability to meet external debt obligations, finance imports, and support exchange rate stability.

Increased reserves also strengthen investor confidence and improve the country’s financial resilience against external economic shocks.

Analysts believe sustained inflows from multilateral institutions, higher export receipts, remittances, and stable external financing will remain crucial for maintaining the upward trajectory of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves in the coming months.

The latest reserve position highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen external buffers and improve macroeconomic stability, providing greater confidence in Pakistan’s ability to manage its external financing requirements while supporting overall economic recovery.