SBP-held forex reserves rise to $11.15bn after $49m increase

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $49 million, reaching $11.15 billion in the week ending March 14, 2025. 

This brought the country’s total liquid foreign reserves to $16.02 billion, including $4.87 billion held by commercial banks.

The SBP did not provide a reason for the increase in its statement released on Thursday. However, financial analysts anticipate a further rise in reserves following the expected release of over $1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the second loan tranche under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility. 

The approval of the IMF’s first review is also expected to unlock additional funding from other multilateral lenders, further strengthening Pakistan’s external position.