Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves increased to approximately $26.86 billion as of October 9, 2026, supported by a weekly rise in holdings maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to data released by the central bank on Thursday, SBP-held foreign exchange reserves increased by $16 million during the week, reaching $21.47 billion. The latest figures provide an update on the country’s external financial position and the foreign currency resources held by the central bank and commercial banks.
The State Bank of Pakistan reported that its foreign exchange reserves stood at $21.4695 billion at the end of the week under review. The increase of $16 million represents a modest weekly improvement in the central bank’s holdings. These reserves are an important component of Pakistan’s external financial position, helping the country meet international payment requirements and manage pressures arising from foreign currency demand. Weekly changes can reflect movements in external receipts, debt-related payments and other foreign exchange transactions, although the published figures provided in the report did not specify the particular factors behind the latest increase.
Commercial banks held net foreign exchange reserves of $5.3938 billion as of October 9, according to the central bank’s data. These holdings, combined with the reserves maintained by the SBP, brought Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves to $26.8633 billion. The distinction between central bank reserves and commercial bank holdings is important when assessing the country’s external position, as the two figures represent separate components of the overall reserve total. The combined amount offers a broader picture of liquid foreign exchange resources available across the banking system.
The latest increase in SBP reserves adds to the central bank’s foreign currency holdings, but the weekly movement alone does not establish a longer-term trend. Reserve levels can change from week to week depending on foreign currency inflows and outflows, including external financing, debt servicing and other international transactions. For this reason, continued monitoring of the data is necessary to assess whether the improvement can be sustained over time. The October 9 figures confirm a rise during the reporting week but do not, by themselves, indicate how reserves will move in subsequent weeks.
Foreign exchange reserves remain an important indicator of Pakistan’s external financial position. They help the country manage international payment obligations and provide a buffer against fluctuations in foreign currency inflows and financing conditions. The level of reserves is also closely watched by financial institutions, investors and economic policymakers when assessing external liquidity. However, a complete evaluation requires consideration of other indicators, including external debt repayments, import requirements, remittance inflows, export earnings and the timing of official financing.
Pakistan’s total liquid reserves of $26.86 billion include the SBP’s $21.47 billion and commercial banks’ $5.39 billion as of October 9, 2026. The central bank’s weekly increase of $16 million marks a modest improvement in its holdings, while the combined figure provides an overview of foreign exchange resources across the banking system. Future reserve updates will help establish whether the increase continues and how Pakistan’s external liquidity position develops in the coming weeks.
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