Why the State Bank Must Resist Pressure to Tinker with Currency and Rates
The State Bank of Pakistan faces pressure to cut rates and appreciate the rupee, but experts warn these conflicting goals could trigger another economic crisis. Analysts say the SBP must maintain independence, keep real rates high, and avoid policy missteps that risk undermining stability.
Pakistani Banks Gain Momentum as Fitch Sees Brighter Economic Outlook
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Pakistan’s credit profile, signaling better economic prospects for the country’s banking sector. With inflation easing, interest rates reduced, and stronger capital buffers, Pakistani banks are expected to expand private-sector lending and strengthen profitability in the coming years.
SBP Secures Rs639 Billion via Pakistan Investment Bonds Auction Amid Surging Demand
The State Bank of Pakistan raised Rs638.93 billion in its latest PIB auction, doubling its initial Rs300 billion target as investor interest surged across all maturities, signaling strong demand for government securities.
State Bank of Pakistan Raises Special Cash Reserve Account Rate to 3.35% for August 2025
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has revised the Special Cash Reserve Account (US$) rate upward to 3.35% for August 2025, reflecting its ongoing adjustments to monetary instruments under FE Circular 25 of 1998.
Pakistan’s Eurobonds Trade Above Par for First Time in Years, Signaling Investor Optimism
For the first time in years, three of Pakistan’s Eurobonds are trading at a premium in global markets, reflecting renewed investor confidence driven by credit rating upgrades, timely debt repayments, and rising foreign exchange reserves.
SBP’s April Foreign Exchange Intervention Totals $473 Million, Bringing FY25 Cumulative to $6.66 Billion
The State Bank of Pakistan made a net FX purchase of $473 million in April 2025, bringing FY25’s total interventions to $6.66 billion. Since data publication began in June 2024, SBP’s cumulative FX operations now stand at $7.23 billion, reflecting its ongoing role in stabilizing the currency market.
State Bank of Pakistan Secures Rs342 Billion in PIB Auction with Strong Demand for 5-Year Bonds
The State Bank of Pakistan has raised Rs342.32 billion in its latest Fixed Rate PIB auction, with the 5-year bond seeing the highest demand. The 15-year bond was fully rejected due to high yield expectations.
Pakistan’s banking sector ADR drops to 38 percent as cautious lending continues
Pakistan’s banking sector advance-to-deposit ratio fell to 38 percent in June 2025, reflecting continued cautious lending to private businesses, even as deposits grew and banks remained heavily invested in government debt instruments.
Foreign Investors Pull Over $1.5 Billion from Pakistan’s T-Bills in FY25 Amid Regional Tensions and Lower Yields
Foreign investors pulled over $1.5 billion from Pakistan’s T-bills in FY25 as geopolitical tensions and lower interest rates eroded the appeal of local debt, with June seeing the sharpest withdrawals amid India-Pakistan strains.
KSE-100 Dips After Volatile Session Despite Early Rally on Stable Policy Rate
The KSE-100 Index closed lower after a volatile session on Tuesday, giving up early gains sparked by the SBP’s decision to maintain interest rates. Market momentum was cut short by late-session profit-taking, reflecting mixed investor sentiment amid budget season uncertainty.