KARACHI: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves decreased by $30 million during the week ended October 16, 2026, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday.
The country’s total liquid forex reserves stood at $26.833 billion, down from $26.863 billion recorded in the week ended October 9, the central bank reported.
However, the SBP’s own foreign exchange reserves increased by $19 million to $21.489 billion during the week, compared with $21.470 billion a week earlier.
In contrast, foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks declined by $49 million to $5.344 billion from $5.393 billion in the preceding week.
The overall decrease in Pakistan’s liquid reserves was therefore driven by the fall in commercial banks’ holdings, which more than offset the increase in the central bank’s reserves.
Foreign exchange reserves remain a key indicator of Pakistan’s external financial position, helping the country meet international payment obligations and finance imports. Changes in reserves are closely monitored by investors, businesses and policymakers amid the country’s external financing requirements.
The latest figures highlight a modest weekly decline in overall reserves, although the SBP continued to record an increase in its holdings during the reporting period.
