Pakistan's forex reserves rise 52%, foreign investment up 20%, exports grow 11% in Q1 FY27

Pakistan recorded stronger external inflows in July-September 2026, although the Finance Ministry’s scorecard left out inflation, imports, poverty and per capita income. Profit by Pakistan Today reported that SBP holdings reached $21.5 billion, up 52% from a year earlier, while foreign direct investment advanced 20% to $720 million. Exports climbed 11% to $11.2 billion, and remittances grew 14% to $10.9 billion.

The report also put net foreign investment at $3.65 billion, against a $33 million outflow in the same period last year. The current account shortfall nevertheless expanded to $874 million from $755 million, while the rupee gained 1.5% year on year. Moody’s raised Pakistan’s rating to B3 and S&P moved its assessment to B; the government also cited a staff-level IMF agreement that could release $1.2 billion after board approval. The figures offer investors a mixed view of external stability, with stronger inflows alongside a wider current account gap.