SBP Reserves Remain Below $22 Billion at $21.49 Billion
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) held $21.49 billion in foreign exchange reserves as of October 16, 2026, keeping the central bank’s holdings below $22 billion. SBP reserves increased by about $19 million from the previous week.
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves, which also include commercial banks’ holdings, stood at $26.83 billion.
SBP and total reserves
| Measure | As of October 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| SBP reserves | $21.489 billion |
| Commercial banks’ reserves | $5.344 billion |
| Total liquid reserves | $26.833 billion |
These figures describe different reserve measures. The $21.49 billion figure is held by the central bank; the national total also counts foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks.
How did reserves change during the week?
SBP reserves rose by about $19 million from the previous week’s $21.470 billion. Commercial banks’ reserves fell by about $49 million, bringing their holdings to $5.344 billion.
As a result, total liquid reserves declined by about $30 million over the week, to $26.833 billion. The central bank’s increase was offset by the larger drop in commercial banks’ holdings.
What does the reserve figure show?
Weekly reserve figures provide a snapshot of foreign exchange held by the central bank and commercial banks. The SBP and total-reserve figures should not be used interchangeably: they cover different holders and answer different questions about the country’s liquid reserves.
The latest update refers to the week ended October 16, 2026. It is not a live balance for October 22, the date of the news report.
Frequently asked questions
How much foreign exchange did SBP hold?
The SBP held $21.489 billion in foreign exchange reserves as of October 16, 2026.
What were Pakistan’s total liquid reserves?
Total liquid foreign exchange reserves were $26.833 billion, including $5.344 billion held by commercial banks.
Did SBP reserves rise or fall?
SBP’s own reserves rose by about $19 million during the week. Total reserves fell by about $30 million because commercial banks’ holdings decreased.
When were these reserves measured?
The figures cover the week ended October 16, 2026, and were reported later that week.