By Qudsia Bano
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves showed a slight but steady increase this week, signaling cautious improvement in the country’s financial stability.
Pakistan’s Foreign Reserves Edge Up to $19.81 Billion
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $19.81 billion as of October 10, 2025, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The rise, though modest, reflects a positive movement after several weeks of near-stagnant levels.
The SBP’s own reserves increased by $21 million, bringing the total to $14.44 billion for the week that ended on October 10. The gain suggests that recent inflows have helped strengthen the central bank’s holdings.
Breakdown of Reserves
Foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.37 billion, meaning the SBP controls nearly three-fourths of the country’s total reserve stock. Together, these figures place Pakistan’s total liquid reserves just shy of the $20 billion mark.
Why the Update Matters
The SBP’s weekly report gives a clear view of the country’s foreign exchange position—an important measure of its ability to handle import payments, debt servicing, and external obligations.
While the increase may seem small, it shows that the central bank continues to manage inflows and outflows carefully to maintain a steady reserve position.
Steady Reserves Reflect Cautious Stability
In recent months, Pakistan’s foreign reserves have largely hovered between $19 and $20 billion. This stability reflects a balance between inflows—mainly from multilateral institutions, foreign remittances, and bilateral aid—and outflows linked to loan repayments and import financing.
The SBP said maintaining reserves at this level remains critical for keeping the exchange rate stable and ensuring Pakistan’s ability to meet its international financial commitments without disruption.
Looking Ahead
Economists note that while Pakistan’s reserves are stable, continued inflows from the IMF program, overseas remittances, and export growth will be key to strengthening the country’s external position in the coming months.
The current trend, though modest, reflects a cautious path toward rebuilding confidence in the nation’s economic outlook.
Author Profile
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Qudsia Bano is a financial correspondent focused on Pakistan's fiscal health.
Her reporting, driven by SBP data, tracks the country's vital foreign exchange reserves. Bano’s work highlights the central bank's success in stabilizing reserves near the $19-20 billion range, underscoring its crucial effort to maintain exchange rate stability.
