Saudi Arabia Becomes Pakistan’s Biggest Financial Backer as Foreign Funding Tops $16 Billion

Pakistan received more than $16 billion in external financing during the last fiscal year. This money helped the government pay its bills and support the economy, though it fell short of the $19.92 billion target by about $3 billion. The country borrowed heavily in June 2026, getting over $4 billion that month alone.

Saudi Arabia stood out as Pakistan’s largest bilateral partner. The Kingdom provided $3 billion in fresh deposits to boost foreign exchange reserves. It also gave a $1 billion loan and $1 billion in oil financing. These steps strengthened Pakistan’s financial position and helped manage debt payments.

Multilateral lenders played a big role too. They gave more than $5 billion in total. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided $1.77 billion, and the World Bank contributed over $1.5 billion. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released $420 million as part of its larger support program.

China remained an important friend. A Chinese bank refinanced a $1.70 billion loan. Friendly countries together offered $1.35 billion in bilateral loans. Pakistan also raised $1.90 billion through commercial loans from international banks and over $3 billion via Naya Pakistan Certificates.

The funding mix included $3.43 billion for development projects and $12.72 billion for general budget support. The government received $149.5 million in grants as well.

These inflows are vital for Pakistan. They help build foreign reserves, reduce pressure on the rupee, and support economic stability. Saudi Arabia’s strong support highlights the deep ties between the two countries and their role in Pakistan’s efforts to recover from economic challenges.

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