ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached a historic high of around $21.4 billion, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing the development as another milestone towards economic stability.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the increase in reserves reflects improvement in Pakistan’s external position and the impact of measures taken by the government and its economic team.
The State Bank of Pakistan’s latest published data shows its own reserves at $21.389 billion as of September 11, 2026, while reserves held by banks stood at $5.402 billion, taking total liquid foreign exchange reserves to $26.791 billion.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the record level of reserves and said the improvement would strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to meet its external payment obligations and enhance its ability to withstand global economic challenges.
He said Pakistan’s stronger external position could create greater scope for investment and sustainable economic growth, while improved reserves would provide an additional cushion against external pressures.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, significant improvement in remittances and services exports, a better current account position and fiscal discipline contributed to the strengthening of the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The Prime Minister also pointed to Pakistan’s re-entry into international capital markets as an indication of restored global confidence in the country’s economy.
Shehbaz Sharif said the higher reserve position would help improve the country’s ability to manage external payment requirements at a time when global economic conditions remain challenging.
He also paid tribute to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the State Bank governor, the government’s economic team and overseas Pakistanis for their contribution to the improvement in the country’s external position.
The latest reserve position comes as Pakistan continues to focus on strengthening its external account, maintaining fiscal discipline and securing sustainable foreign exchange inflows.