Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan have risen to a new all-time high of $21.4 billion. The figure was recorded for the week ending 11 September 2026 and marks a major improvement in the country’s external position.
The sharp increase of more than $3 billion in a single week came mainly from the successful sale of $3 billion in Eurobonds in international markets. Steady purchases of foreign currency by the central bank from the local market also supported the rise. Total liquid reserves, which include holdings of commercial banks, reached about $26.8 billion, the highest combined level in five years.
This level of reserves now provides more than three months of import cover, a key measure of economic safety. Officials note that the build-up has been helped by strong workers’ remittances, better services exports and careful management of the current account. The previous peak for SBP reserves was $20.1 billion, recorded in August 2021.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the milestone, saying it shows growing confidence in Pakistan’s economy and the results of ongoing policy efforts. The higher reserves strengthen the country’s ability to meet external debt payments and handle global economic pressures.