Forex reserves surge to USD23.72bn

Total liquid foreign currency holdings in Pakistan rose by about USD 1.18 billion over the week to USD 23.716 billion as of Sep 4, 2026, Business Recorder reported. The increase followed receipt of commercial loan funds from the federal government, according to a weekly State Bank of Pakistan report released on Thursday. The figure had stood at USD 22.528 billion on Aug 28, 2026.

The SBP's own reserves climbed by USD 1.21 billion to USD 18.328 billion, compared with USD 17.118 billion a week before, a rise the central bank tied to receipt of government loan proceeds. Net reserves held by commercial banks, by contrast, slipped USD 22.5 million to USD 5.388 billion. The SBP said it had met its FY26 reserves target, with holdings above USD 18 billion at the close of June 2026.

The central bank has also fixed a December 2026 goal of USD 20.20 billion, above its present USD 18.328 billion. Within the total, commercial bank reserves were the only component to fall during the week.