Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $26.8 billion as of September 11, with SBP holdings hitting a record high.
WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves reaching a record $21.4 billion, describing the development as another milestone toward economic stability.
The State Bank’s reserves reached the record level during the week ended September 11, 2026, while Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $26.8 billion, according to official data. Commercial banks held approximately $5.4 billion of the total.
PM Shehbaz Welcomes Reserve Increase
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the country’s economic team and expressed satisfaction over the increase in foreign exchange reserves.
The prime minister attributed the improvement to higher remittances and services exports, a better current account position and fiscal discipline.
He described the rise in reserves as evidence of the economic team’s efforts and measures taken in what he called the right direction.
Total Reserves Reach $26.8 Billion
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves increased to $26.8 billion as of September 11.
The figure represents the highest combined reserve stock since September 2021, although the current SBP component of $21.4 billion is itself a record for the central bank.
The increase also pushed Pakistan’s import cover to approximately 3.03 months, according to Arif Habib Limited. This marked the first clear move above the three-month benchmark since August 2020.
Eurobond Proceeds Boost SBP Reserves
The State Bank said its reserves increased by $3.061 billion during the week ended September 11.
According to the central bank, the sharp weekly increase was driven by the receipt of Pakistan’s Eurobond proceeds. The increase was the largest weekly rise in SBP reserves since June 27, 2025.
Government Highlights Economic Confidence
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also linked Pakistan’s return to international capital markets with what the PM Office described as the restoration of global confidence in the country’s economy.
He said stronger reserves would improve Pakistan’s ability to meet external payment obligations and provide greater capacity to withstand international economic pressures.
The prime minister also congratulated Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the State Bank governor, the broader economic team and overseas Pakistanis for their contribution.
Pakistan’s latest reserve figures provide a stronger external buffer, although the composition and sustainability of reserve growth remain important factors for the country’s broader economic position.
