Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a modest gain during the week ending September 19, 2025, offering some relief as the country continues to navigate its external financing challenges.
According to the latest figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s total liquid reserves increased by USD 57.6 million, or 0.29 percent, to stand at USD 19.793 billion. The central bank’s own holdings went up by USD 22.3 million, while commercial banks added another USD 35.3 million to their net reserves during the same period.
Monthly comparison shows mixed trend
Alongside the weekly snapshot, the SBP also shared its monthly data. It showed that reserves held by the central bank slipped slightly in August 2025, falling by USD 4.9 million to USD 14.319 billion from USD 14.324 billion in July.
However, the broader picture remains positive when compared with last year. SBP reserves in August 2025 were up by more than USD 4.88 billion from August 2024, marking a growth of 51.7 percent.
Commercial banks’ net reserves also reflected stability. They stood at USD 4.757 billion in August 2025, up from USD 4.652 billion a month earlier, posting an increase of USD 105.6 million. On a yearly basis, this was only a modest gain of USD 20.3 million compared to August 2024.
Overall, Pakistan’s total liquid reserves at the close of August 2025 came in at USD 19.077 billion, higher by USD 100.7 million compared with July. Year-on-year, the reserves grew by nearly USD 4.9 billion, an increase of 34.6 percent.
NBP updates forex rates
Separately, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) issued its routine update on foreign exchange rates for Friday. These daily rates act as a benchmark for trading activity and guide market participants in managing foreign currency dealings.
The rupee traded at 281.80 against the US dollar on the selling side and 281.30 on the buying side. Against the euro, the rates were set at 329.14 and 328.56 respectively, while the British pound was quoted at 376.31 for selling and 375.64 for buying. The Japanese yen stood at 1.8825 and 1.8792.
The NBP stressed that its rates are not valid for transactions exceeding USD 5,000 or equivalent in other currencies, and these serve mainly as indicative open market values.
With reserves showing gradual improvement and market rates remaining steady, the developments underline Pakistan’s ongoing effort to maintain financial stability amid external pressures
