Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) edged up to $21.4 billion in the week ended September 18, 2026, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.
SBP reserves rose by $11.3 million, or 0.05 percent, from the previous week. The increase came after reserves had reached a much higher level in the preceding week following fresh inflows.
The country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves also posted a modest increase, rising by $19.4 million, or 0.07 percent, to $26.81 billion during the week.
Reserves held by commercial banks increased by $8.1 million, or 0.15 percent, to $5.41 billion.
Despite the small weekly gain, the central bank’s reserve position has improved significantly over a longer period. SBP-held reserves have risen by $2.93 billion, or 15.86 percent, since the start of the current fiscal year.
On a calendar-year basis, the increase stands at $5.34 billion, or 33.15 percent.
Separate monthly data showed that SBP reserves increased by $109.7 million to $17.15 billion in August 2026, compared with $17.04 billion in July.
The August figure was also $2.83 billion, or 19.79 percent, higher than the $14.32 billion recorded in the same month last year.
Commercial banks held $4.88 billion in net foreign reserves at the end of August, up $30.6 million from $4.85 billion a month earlier. Compared with August 2025, their reserves were higher by $121.5 million.
As a result, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $22.03 billion at the end of August, compared with $21.89 billion in July.
On a year-on-year basis, the country’s total reserves increased by $2.95 billion, or 15.49 percent, in August, showing a stronger reserve position than a year earlier.
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