Key Takeaways
- State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves fell by $229 million to $17.03 billion.
- The decline is attributed to external debt repayments.
- Total liquid foreign exchange reserves stand at $22.44 billion.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a decrease in its foreign exchange reserves by $229 million, bringing the total down to $17.03 billion as of July 24, 2026. This reduction is primarily attributed to external debt repayments, according to the central bank’s latest statement.
In addition to the SBP's reserves, commercial banks held a net foreign exchange reserve of $5.41 billion, bringing the total liquid foreign reserves to $22.44 billion as of July 24, 2026. The SBP stated that during the week ending on July 24, its foreign exchange reserves decreased by US$229 million to US$17,029.9 million.
The central bank’s weekly reserves statement highlighted that the decline in its foreign exchange reserves is due to external debt repayments. This information was released as part of the SBP's regular reporting mechanism aimed at providing transparency and insight into the country’s financial health.
Economists have been closely monitoring these figures, with some expressing concerns over the potential impact on Pakistan’s ability to meet its international obligations and maintain a stable currency exchange rate. The reduction in reserves could also affect investor confidence and the overall economic stability of the country.
The SBP has maintained that despite this decline, the total liquid foreign reserves remain robust, providing sufficient cushion against any short-term financial challenges. However, the central bank continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take necessary measures to ensure the stability of Pakistan’s economy.
In a statement released on Thursday, the SBP emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves as a key component of macroeconomic management. The central bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring that these reserves are used judiciously to support economic growth and development.
