SBP Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise $141 Million, Surpass $16 Billion

Pakistan’s liquid foreign exchange reserves saw a modest increase this week, with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reporting a rise of $141 million, bringing total liquid reserves to $16.056 billion for the week ending January 2, 2026. These liquid reserves, held mainly in cash and easily accessible foreign assets, form a crucial part of the country’s ability to meet short-term import payments and maintain currency stability.

In addition to the SBP’s reserves, commercial banks’ foreign currency holdings also showed growth, increasing by $40 million to reach $5.137 billion. When combined, Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves amounted to $21.192 billion, reflecting the country’s overall foreign currency position including both central bank and banking sector holdings.

Analysts at Topline Securities have projected that Pakistan’s liquid reserves could further improve, potentially reaching $17.4 billion by June 2026, assuming stable inflows from exports, remittances, and international financial assistance. The rise in reserves provides temporary relief amid ongoing balance of payments pressures, supporting the Pakistani rupee and helping the government meet external debt obligations.