Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan recorded a slight increase during the week ending March 19, 2026, reflecting continued stability in the country’s external position.

According to the central bank’s weekly update released on Thursday, SBP-held reserves rose by $22 million, marking a 0.1 percent week-on-week increase to $16.376 billion, compared with $16.354 billion in the preceding week.

Overall, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves climbed by $32 million, reaching $21.736 billion as of March 19, up from $21.704 billion a week earlier.

Reserves maintained by commercial banks also registered a modest improvement. Net foreign reserves held by banks increased by $10 million on a weekly basis, standing at $5.36 billion.

The gradual buildup in reserves highlights steady external inflows and stable foreign currency liquidity, although gains remain limited amid ongoing external financing pressures.