Karachi, May 8, 2025: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves maintained their upward momentum for a second consecutive week, with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reporting a $118.1 million increase for the week ending May 2. The 1.16% week-on-week rise pushed the central bank’s total reserves to $10.33 billion.
The back-to-back gains come as a welcome recovery following a sharp $367 million drop in April, which had driven SBP reserves to a seven-month low. Since then, reserves have rebounded by $127 million in two weeks, signaling improving stability in the country’s external position.
Total foreign exchange reserves held by the country rose by $230.8 million during the same period, reaching $15.48 billion. Commercial banks contributed to the uptick with a $112.7 million increase in their holdings, taking their total from $5.04 billion to $5.15 billion — a 2.24% weekly rise.
On a fiscal year-to-date basis, SBP reserves have grown by $943 million, reflecting a 10.04% increase. However, on a calendar-year basis, the central bank’s reserves are still down by $1.38 billion, or 11.77%.
While the SBP has not disclosed the sources of the recent inflows, the continued buildup points to easing pressure on the external account after a period of volatility earlier in the year.
