FX reserves edge up to $22.5b

Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by Pakistan climbed $23.7 million in the week ended August 7, 2026, taking the total to $22,498.3 million. The Express Tribune, citing State Bank of Pakistan figures, reported that the central bank's holdings grew $14 million to $17,057 million. Net reserves of commercial banks rose $9.7 million to $5,441.3 million, while import cover held steady at 2.51 months.

Arif Habib Limited (AHL) noted that total liquid reserves were down $735 million on a fiscal year-to-date basis. Over the calendar year so far, however, the same measure has risen by $1.756 billion, the firm said.

The rupee gained Rs0.01 to close at 277.65 against the dollar on Thursday, after a mild US inflation reading lowered trader expectations for a Federal Reserve increase. The All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association put the tola rate at Rs460,436 after a Rs3,500 fall, while the ten-gram price dropped to Rs394,749. Internationally, spot gold slipped 0.5% to $4,386.69 an ounce, according to Reuters.