Brief
SBP governor says Pakistan’s foreign reserves hit $21.5 billion
Governor Jameel Ahmad told investors that reserves climbed to $21.5 bn, inflation eased and growth recovered.
By Felo News Desk · Published
State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad told international investors that the country’s foreign‑exchange reserves rose to $21.5 billion on Oct. 9, 2026, up from under $3 billion in Feb. 2023. Speaking at the IMF‑World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Ahmad said the rise reflects sustained policies, structural reforms and active FX purchases.
He added that inflation has fallen to near‑target levels in FY26 despite higher oil prices, and that GDP growth rebounded to 3.7 % in FY26, with a forecast of 3.5‑4.5 % for FY27. The central bank also cut forward liabilities from over $5.7 billion to below $1 billion and expects the current‑account deficit in FY27 to stay between zero and 1 % of GDP.
Ahmad confirmed a staff‑level IMF agreement on programme reviews and said continued reforms have boosted investor confidence and credit‑rating upgrades.
Key facts
- Pakistan’s foreign‑exchange reserves reached $21.5 billion on Oct. 9, 2026. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Inflation fell to near‑target levels in FY26 despite higher oil prices. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- GDP growth rebounded to 3.7 % in FY26 and is projected at 3.5‑4.5 % for FY27. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Forward liabilities were reduced from over $5.7 billion to below $1 billion. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- The SBP expects the FY27 current‑account deficit to stay between 0‑1 % of GDP. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “Pakistan’s reserves reach $21.5 billion, says SBP governor”
