Pakistan’s reserves rise ahead of $1.3 billion IMF inflow received on May 12, 2026
Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves increased by $42 million on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday.
The country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves rose to $21.336 billion during the week ended May 8, 2026, compared with $21.294 billion recorded a week earlier on April 30, 2026.
The official reserves held by the SBP increased by $16 million to reach $15.867 billion, up from $15.851 billion in the previous week.
The central bank said Pakistan’s reserves are expected to rise significantly in the next reporting week after receiving around $1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund on May 12, 2026.
The IMF Executive Board completed the third review under Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) during a meeting held on May 8, approving the disbursement of SDR 760 million for the country.
In addition, the IMF also approved the second tranche of SDR 154 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
According to the SBP, Pakistan received a total of SDR 914 million, equivalent to about $1.3 billion, from the IMF under the EFF and RSF programs. The inflow will be reflected in the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves data for the week ending May 15, 2026.
Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks also increased by $26 million to $5.469 billion during the week under review, compared with $5.443 billion a week earlier.
Economists said the IMF inflow is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s external position and improve market confidence, although sustaining reserves growth will depend on continued reforms, external financing, and export performance.