Central bank reserves edge higher to $17.19 billion, while overall liquid reserves decline slightly due to lower commercial bank holdings
KARACHI, June 4, 2026 — Pakistan’s official foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $43 million during the week ended May 29, 2026, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.
The increase lifted the SBP’s reserves to $17.19 billion from $17.147 billion a week earlier, reflecting a modest improvement in the country’s official external liquidity position.
According to the latest figures, the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $43 million during the reporting week ended May 29, 2026.
The central bank’s reserves stood at $17.190 billion, compared with $17.147 billion recorded on May 22, 2026.
In contrast, foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks declined by $54 million during the same period, falling to $5.446 billion from $5.500 billion a week earlier.
As a result, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves registered a marginal decline of $11 million on a weekly basis. The country’s overall reserves stood at $22.636 billion as of May 29, compared with $22.647 billion in the previous week.
Forex Reserves Position
| Category | Week Ended May 29, 2026 | Week Ended May 22, 2026 | Change |
| SBP Reserves | $17.190 billion | $17.147 billion | +$43 million |
| Commercial Banks | $5.446 billion | $5.500 billion | -$54 million |
| Total Reserves | $22.636 billion | $22.647 billion | -$11 million |
Despite the increase in official reserves, analysts say Pakistan continues to face external sector challenges, including rising import requirements and upcoming external debt repayments.
Economists note that maintaining reserve adequacy will depend largely on sustained export growth, strong workers’ remittances, foreign direct investment inflows and effective management of external financing needs.
The latest figures nevertheless indicate that the country’s official reserves remain above the $17 billion mark, providing a measure of support for external sector stability.
