KARACHI: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rose modestly by $16 million during the week ended February 20, 2026, reaching $16.21 billion, according to official data released on Thursday. The marginal increase reflects continued stability in the country’s external account position amid ongoing economic management efforts.
With the latest rise, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at approximately $21.41 billion. Of this amount, around $5.2 billion is held by commercial banks, while the remaining balance is maintained by the central bank. The weekly uptick, though small in magnitude, indicates a steady reserve position supported by controlled external payments and stable inflows.
Foreign exchange reserves play a critical role in maintaining macroeconomic stability. They provide a cushion against external shocks, support the national currency, and enable the country to meet its import and external debt obligations. Analysts note that maintaining reserves above the $16 billion mark at the central bank level offers investors and international stakeholders monitoring Pakistan’s financial health a degree of confidence.
The recent trend of incremental increases suggests that the central bank’s reserve management strategy is yielding gradual improvements. While the $16 million rise does not represent a significant surge, it signals stability at a time when global economic conditions remain uncertain and emerging markets continue to face external pressures.
Economic observers emphasize that sustained growth in reserves over the coming weeks will be essential to strengthen market sentiment and reinforce exchange rate stability. Continued inflows from exports, remittances, and multilateral financing arrangements are expected to further bolster the country’s foreign exchange position.
The SBP releases foreign reserve data weekly to provide transparency and keep markets informed about developments in the external sector.
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