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Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves climbed to $21.09 billion as of December 12, 2025, following a sharp weekly rise driven by fresh inflows from the International Monetary Fund. The increase has strengthened the country’s external buffers and improved near-term financial stability.
According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), central bank reserves increased by $1.3 billion in one week to $15.89 billion. The jump was mainly due to the receipt of SDR 914 million, equivalent to about $1.2 billion, under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.20 billion, lifting total liquid reserves to $21.09 billion, compared to around $19.79 billion a week earlier.
The surge marks one of the strongest weekly increases in recent months and improves Pakistan’s ability to manage external payments and meet foreign debt obligations. Higher reserves also support the rupee, reduce rollover risks, and boost confidence among investors and international lenders.
“The rise in SBP reserves strengthens near-term stability, though sustainability will depend on continued inflows, exports, and remittance growth,” an analyst said.
Officials caution that maintaining reserve levels will require steady IMF disbursements, stronger export performance, stable remittances, and control of the current account deficit in the months ahead.
