SBP Reserves Rise $33 Million to $21.52 Billion, Second Weekly Gain
SBP reserves rose $33 million to $21.52 billion in the week ended 23 October 2026. Total liquid reserves are $26.75 billion. Full figures and the $23bn target.
The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves rose by $33 million to $21.52 billion in the week ended 23 October 2026, the second weekly increase in a row. Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves stood at $26.75 billion, including $5.23 billion held by commercial banks.
Pakistan foreign exchange reserves: latest figures
| Reserves | 16 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBP | $21.49 bn | $21.52 bn | +$33 m |
| Commercial banks (net) | $5.34 bn | $5.23 bn | –$111 m |
| Total liquid reserves | $26.83 bn | $26.75 bn | –$78 m |
Source: SBP weekly reserves data. 16 October figures as reported by Mettis Global; 23 October figures as reported on 29 October 2026.
SBP reserves target: $23 billion by December
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed has said the central bank expects its reserves to reach $23 billion by December 2026 and $25 billion by June 2027. At $21.52 billion, SBP needs to add about $1.5 billion in the next two months to meet the December target.
Why reserves matter
- Import cover: higher reserves mean Pakistan can pay for imports, including oil, for longer without stress.
- Stable rupee: strong reserves have supported the rupee’s long winning streak against the dollar.
- Investor confidence: lenders and rating agencies watch reserves closely when judging Pakistan’s ability to repay debt.
Frequently asked questions
How much are SBP’s reserves now?
$21.52 billion as of 23 October 2026.
What are Pakistan’s total liquid reserves?
$26.75 billion, including $5.23 billion held by commercial banks.
Related: Rupee vs dollar rate · Pakistan rejects $490m ITFC loan · Budget 2026-27
Sources: State Bank of Pakistan weekly reserves data; Mettis Global (week ended 16 October); ProPakistani (week ended 23 October). Featured image: AI-generated illustration, for representation only.
