Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $17 million during the week ended August 21, 2026, reaching $17.099 billion.
The latest figure compares with $17.082 billion recorded by the central bank in the previous week, indicating a modest improvement in SBP-held reserves.
When reserves maintained by commercial banks are included, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $22.59 billion.
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Key Takeaways
- SBP reserves: $17.099 billion
- Weekly increase: $17 million
- Previous SBP reserves: $17.082 billion
- Commercial bank reserves: $5.49 billion
- Total liquid foreign exchange reserves: $22.59 billion
- Reporting week: Ended August 21, 2026
- Country: Pakistan
SBP Reserves Edge Higher
The central bank’s foreign exchange holdings recorded a small weekly increase, rising from $17.082 billion to $17.099 billion.
The $17 million gain represents a relatively modest movement but keeps SBP-held reserves on an upward trajectory in the latest weekly update.
Foreign exchange reserves remain an important indicator of Pakistan’s external liquidity and ability to meet international payment obligations.
Total Forex Reserves Reach $22.59 Billion
Pakistan’s overall liquid foreign exchange reserves were higher when commercial bank holdings were included.
Commercial banks held $5.49 billion in net foreign exchange reserves, taking the country’s combined liquid reserves to $22.59 billion.
The figure provides a broader view of the foreign currency resources available across Pakistan’s banking system.
Why Foreign Exchange Reserves Matter
Foreign exchange reserves provide a buffer for a country’s external financial needs, including payments for imports and other international obligations.
For Pakistan, changes in reserve levels are closely watched because they can influence perceptions of external stability, currency conditions and the country’s capacity to manage external financing requirements.
The latest weekly increase therefore provides a modest improvement in the country’s overall reserve position.
Weekly Reserve Position
| Indicator | Latest | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| SBP reserves | $17.099 billion | $17.082 billion |
| Weekly change | +$17 million | — |
| Commercial bank reserves | $5.49 billion | — |
| Total liquid reserves | $22.59 billion | — |
Why This Matters
- SBP-held foreign exchange reserves increased $17 million.
- Reserves reached $17.099 billion in the week ended August 21.
- Commercial banks held $5.49 billion in net reserves.
- Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $22.59 billion.
- The latest increase represents a modest improvement in Pakistan’s external liquidity position.
- Reserve movements remain an important indicator for the country’s external financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Pakistan’s SBP reserves?
SBP-held foreign exchange reserves stood at $17.099 billion for the week ended August 21, 2026.
How much did SBP reserves increase?
The reserves increased by $17 million from the previous week’s $17.082 billion.
How much foreign exchange do commercial banks hold?
Commercial banks held $5.49 billion in net foreign exchange reserves.
What are Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves?
Including commercial bank reserves, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $22.59 billion.
Why are foreign exchange reserves important?
Foreign exchange reserves help provide a financial buffer for international payments, imports and other external obligations, making them an important indicator of a country’s external liquidity.
