Forex reserves fall $69 million
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Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) declined by $69 million during the week ended July 18, 2025, which took the central bank's reserves to $14.46 billion. The SBP attributed the decrease to scheduled external debt repayments.
Despite the dip, the country's total liquid foreign reserves remained near the $20 billion mark, standing at $19.92 billion. According to the latest data, commercial banks held $5.46 billion in foreign currency reserves, while the SBP's share was $14.46 billion.
Pakistan's reserves position has remained relatively stable in recent months due to inflows from international lenders and an improved current account balance. However, regular external debt servicing continues to exert downward pressure on the SBP-held reserves, highlighting the need for sustained inflows to maintain foreign currency buffers.
Moreover, the Pakistani rupee gained ground against the US dollar on Thursday, appreciating 0.19% in the inter-bank market. By the end of the trading session, the rupee closed at 284.22, up 54 paisa from the previous day's close at 284.76.
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