Saudi Arabia and Qatar have assured Pakistan of around $5 billion in financial assistance to help ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves amid upcoming debt repayments.
The development comes as Pakistan prepares to repay approximately $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April, following a request from Abu Dhabi to settle outstanding liabilities.
The financial support was discussed during meetings in Islamabad between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan. Senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir, also attended the talks.
Officials said Pakistan has requested additional support from Riyadh, including an extension of its oil financing facility and an increase in Saudi cash deposits held with the central bank. While no formal agreements have been finalized, discussions between finance authorities have been ongoing.
The expected inflows are likely to help stabilize Pakistan’s reserves, currently estimated at around $16.4 billion, and ensure external payment capacity through June amid rising import costs and ongoing regional tensions.
Authorities are also engaging with international partners ahead of key financial meetings in Washington, as the government seeks to secure further support to manage external financing risks.
