Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have seen a slight increase, reaching $22.5 billion, with State Bank of Pakistan holdings rising by $14 million, despite a drop in gold prices.

M Ali Malik has been appointed as the new deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) following a prolonged vacancy and a controversy surrounding dual nationality, with the finance ministry also interviewing candidates for the NBP president.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has implemented a cap of Re1 on card transaction fees at fuel stations.

Economists are advising the State Bank of Pakistan to keep the interest rate at 11.5%, as core inflation remains above 8% and a PIDE report warns of potential oil price shocks and external risks.

Pakistan's State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) foreign exchange reserves saw an increase of $33 million, bringing the total to $17.26 billion. This indicates a slight improvement in the country's financial stability.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have decreased by $1.24 billion due to debt repayments, with the State Bank of Pakistan's forex deposits dropping to $17.2 billion.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) projects a 4% economic growth for the country, despite a lag in exports and a $5.2 billion export gap that exposes economic weaknesses.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has repaid $1.3 billion in external debt, bringing total foreign exchange reserves to $21.5 billion, amidst a drop in gold prices influenced by US-Iran tensions.

Pakistani freelancers have reportedly earned over $950 million in foreign exchange during 10MFY26, marking a 49% year-on-year increase, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan.

A brokerage firm estimates that inflation will reach 12.2% in May, driven by increases in transport and food indices, alongside anticipated policy tightening by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The State Bank of Pakistan has finalized the designs for new currency notes and submitted them to the federal cabinet for approval.

The State Bank of Pakistan has received a $1.3 billion disbursement from the International Monetary Fund, continuing support under structural reform conditions.

The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan defended recent rate hikes, revealing the SBP purchased $27 billion over the past three and a half years, with the economy projected to grow over 4% in the third quarter.

Pakistan's State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reserves increased by $730 million, reaching $15.8 billion, following a Eurobond issuance. Gold also gained value amidst a softer dollar.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced an increase in its policy rate, raising it to 11.5%. This decision reflects the central bank's latest monetary policy adjustments.

The oil industry in Pakistan has requested the State Bank of Pakistan to extend the permission for importing petroleum products on a cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) basis for two months or until market conditions stabilize, aiming to ensure continuous supplies.

Microfinance institutions in Pakistan are pivoting towards risk-protected lending, exemplified by a partnership between ASA Bank and Turaco to embed insurance into loans, as the State Bank of Pakistan promotes financial inclusion.

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed an agreement to extend a $3 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), witnessed by the Finance Minister in Washington, DC.

The State Bank of Pakistan injected over Rs2 trillion through open market operations, as the gold price rose by Rs3,000 per tola and the rupee slightly strengthened against the dollar.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has simplified export rules for IT freelancers, allowing banks one day to process receipts and removing the requirement for Form R for every transaction.

A Pakistani Senate panel has questioned banks regarding SMS charges, after the State Bank of Pakistan revealed that Rs18.7 billion is collected from consumers annually through these fees.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have shown a slight increase, reaching $21.74 billion, with State Bank of Pakistan holdings rising by $22 million to $16.37 billion.

The State Bank of Pakistan reports that while mobile banking users have reached 126 million, ATM withdrawals continue to dominate transaction values, indicating a persistent reliance on cash despite the surge in digital financial services.

KARACHI: The country’s current account has recorded a surplus of $479 million in February, leading to a substantial decrease in the current account deficit for the ongoing fiscal year. According to details shared by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday, the country’s current account has posted a surplus in the first two months of the calendar year 2026, after recording a deficit of $244m in December 2025. In the first two quarters of FY26, the current account ...

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has started technical-level discussions with the State Bank of Pakistan in Karachi for the third review of the $7 billion Extended Financing Facility.

The State Bank of Pakistan's biannual monetary policy report indicates that the country's economy is at a crossroads, with projected growth for the year expected to be between 3.5% and 4.5%.

The State Bank of Pakistan's foreign currency reserves have increased by $13 million, bringing total foreign currency deposits to $22.5 billion, while gold prices surged by Rs11,300 per tola.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reserves have experienced a drop of $229 million, bringing the total to $17.03 billion. This decline occurred as gold prices climbed by Rs1,000 to Rs427,436 per tola, and the dollar softened.

Inflation in Pakistan is projected to increase to 9.1%, with the State Bank of Pakistan likely to maintain its current rate, while the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) remains high for low-income households despite a slight fall.

Pakistan's profit repatriation has reached $2.31 billion, with the manufacturing sector leading at $564 million, according to State Bank of Pakistan data indicating easing payment bottlenecks.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has set a target of Rs1.5 trillion for credit to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Governor urged banks to scale up borrowers, identifying documentation as a key barrier.

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reserves have increased by $611 million to $16.5 billion, while total deposits stand at $22.1 billion, and gold prices jumped on a global rally driven by the US employment report.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has signed a tripartite agreement with the State Bank of Pakistan and 1LINK to integrate digital payment solutions into judicial processes, marking a significant step towards cashless operations.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, despite inflation hitting 11.7% in May, with the Monetary Policy Committee warning of a prolonged period of double-digit price increases.

Pakistan's State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a $66 million increase in its foreign exchange reserves over a week, while also injecting over Rs650 billion into the banking system. This occurred as gold prices fell despite a global rebound.

A panel is investigating delays in appointments for key positions, including at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) due to dual nationality curbs, and understaffing at the debt office.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has initiated a 'Go Cashless' campaign to promote digital transactions at cattle markets ahead of Eid ul Adha.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has warned that the country's economic recovery is overly reliant on imports rather than exports, highlighting structural weaknesses and persistent inflation due to firms' profiteering.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected over Rs4.6 trillion through open market operations, while gold prices fell by Rs3,800 per tola due to a 2% drop in global prices.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a bank holiday on May 1 in observance of Labour Day.

The government has approved Rs4.4 billion for retirees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Additionally, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) cleared a policy for importing old cars, while also issuing a contradictory statement to the State Bank of Pakistan.

The KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced a decline as investors adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the State Bank of Pakistan's crucial monetary policy decision.

Pakistan's State Bank has received a $1 billion tranche from Saudi Arabia, providing a significant boost to the country's foreign exchange reserves.

Pakistan's current account balance recorded a substantial surplus of $1.07 billion in March, as announced by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Pakistan received 17 percent higher remittances in March compared to February, totaling $3.8 billion, despite the ongoing Middle East conflict. This inflow was the highest recorded so far, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported an increase in its foreign exchange reserves by $6 million, bringing the total to $16.38 billion, while total forex stands at $21.79 billion.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a framework allowing teenagers to securely save and transact, aiming to foster responsible financial habits among the youth.

An article reflects on the historical significance of Pakistan's founding, featuring Quaid-i-Azam and the first Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Zahid Hussain, and discussing the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940.

Pakistan's exchange rate has remained stable for 19 days despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, a development that has encouraged stakeholders including the State Bank of Pakistan and the government.

On March 9, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decided to keep the policy interest rate unchanged at 10.5pc, a decision that arrived as the macroeconomic outlook became “quite uncertain following the outbreak of the war in the Middle East”. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the escalation compounded war-related worries for oil-import-dependent Pakistan. War-risk premiums have reportedly risen manifold since the conflict began, while obtaining insurance coverage for import cargoes ha...

KARACHI: Robust demand further pushed outstanding auto loans for the 14th consecutive month to Rs328 billion in January, up from Rs319bn in December 2025. The State Bank of Pakistan data revealed that consumers opted for more loans in January due to the change of model year and registration, as the growth in December 2025 was slightly slower than in November 2025. Auto financing has been struggling to beat the peak of Rs368bn recorded in June 2022 when annual car sales volumes were around 240,000 units. Auto sector expert Mashood Ali Khan said that the current trend shows consumers are increasingly leveraging bank financing to purchase vehicles, contributing to a gradual recovery in automobile sales despite prevailing economic challenges. This is a strong indicator that consumer demand still exists, and it only needs supportive policy to accelerate further. The growth momentum comes primarily under the State Bank’s existing Rs3 million auto financing cap, enabling a large segment of middle-income consumers to access vehicle ownership. “I believe that the auto sector holds significantly greater potential if financing limits are revised upward to Rs6 to Rs7m.” By doing this, the auto market will witness a substantial expansion, particularly in the sedan and mid-range vehicle segment, which remains largely inaccessible to financing-dependent consumers under current limits, he added. “If financing ceilings are increased and interest rates continue to ease, Pakistan’s annual auto sales could potentially cross 200,000 units a year again,” he emphasised. He said the small-car segment remains the primary beneficiary of financing due to its alignment with the SBP financing cap. A segment of consumers is also seeking to access sedans through partial financing combined with personal savings, highlighting the demand gap created by the current financing ceiling. Banks are offering more flexible financing options, including comparatively lower markup rates, reduced down-payment requirements, and easier repayment structures. “This has supported recovery, but policy alignment is essential to unlock the sector’s full potential,” he said. Raising financing limits, while supporting consumers, would also generate broader economic benefits, including industrial production growth, employment generation, vendor development, and increased government revenues through taxes and duties, he said. He said continued interest rate moderation could further strengthen financing activity in the coming months. “I stress that revising financing limits remains the single most impactful policy intervention to accelerate growth,” Khan said. Sales are likely to remain upbeat in view of a 137pc increase in imports of semi- and completely knocked-down kits by the local assemblers to $1.144bn in 7MFY26 from $706m in the same period last fiscal year. Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026

The State Bank of Pakistan's biannual Monetary Policy Report warned that evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East could push global energy and commodity prices beyond assumed levels, potentially leading to price spirals and affecting the macroeconomic outlook.

Following demands from petroleum dealers, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has capped bank charges on digital payment methods for petroleum products, including debit, credit cards, and online transfers. This measure aims to minimize the financial burden on fuel stations.

The State Bank of Pakistan's Monetary Policy Committee announced its decision to keep the interest rate unchanged at 11.5 percent, noting a gradual decline in inflation during the first six months of the year.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced the appointment of 10 primary dealers for the fiscal year 2027, with UBL, NBP, and Bank Alfalah identified as top performers as the government continues to rely on domestic borrowing.

Pakistani banks remain cautious about lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, even after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) defined start-ups. Experts suggest that regulatory recognition alone will not transform lending practices.

The State Bank of Pakistan's digital platform, InvestPak, is making the Rs82 trillion government bond market accessible to small investors, aiming to boost financial inclusion.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has abolished its remittance fee incentive scheme, requiring banks to absorb the costs while continuing to offer fee-free services for home remittances.

Business circles in Karachi expressed disappointment after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decided to keep its policy rate unchanged, calling for a cut in the next meeting to support industrial recovery, though some termed the decision 'balanced' and 'prudent'.

The State Bank of Pakistan is not expected to increase its policy rate in the upcoming monetary policy announcement, as global oil prices have stabilized despite ongoing tensions.

Pakistan's State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) holdings have increased by $1.21 billion to $17.08 billion, contributing to overall reserves strengthening to $22.6 billion, attributed to IMF inflows and bond proceeds.

Pakistan's current account has reverted to a deficit, with State Bank of Pakistan data showing a trade shortfall of $324 million in April, marking a 47% month-over-month widening.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported an increase of $17 million in its foreign exchange reserves.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) stated that despite improved macroeconomic stability in the first half of fiscal year 2026, the ongoing war in the Middle East poses significant risks to the country's economic outlook. The SBP highlighted heightened uncertainty as a key factor.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has increased its policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.5 percent, indicating a clear preference for economic stability over growth in the current climate.

Trade and industry leaders in Pakistan have criticized the State Bank of Pakistan's decision to raise the interest rate by 100 basis points to 11.5 percent. They warn that this move is ill-timed and will negatively impact the country's exports and overall economic growth.

The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) announced that all agreements and pilot programs involving virtual assets now require prior authorization, following a recent policy announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Gold prices in Pakistan have fallen by Rs2,900, despite a global increase in gold value, while the State Bank of Pakistan has repaid $1 billion to the Abu Dhabi Fund and the rupee has slightly strengthened.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad stated that the country's macroeconomic indicators improved faster than expected, asserting the economy's ability to withstand potential risks from an Iran war.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has replaced its 2018 cryptocurrency ban with new Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) rules, allowing banks to open accounts for licensed virtual asset firms under strict AML compliance.

Pakistan's Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and various banks are coordinating efforts to expand credit, urging provinces to take the lead in financing small and medium-sized enterprises.

Pakistan's economic growth for the second quarter has reportedly increased to 3.9%, though the State Bank of Pakistan raised concerns about missing wheat data during a National Accounts Committee meeting.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has purchased $12.4 billion to bolster its foreign exchange reserves, including $1.024 billion in December 2025 alone, contributing to a slight appreciation of the rupee to 279.15 against the dollar.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan, digital channels accounted for 92% of retail transactions during the second quarter of FY26, significantly changing the country's banking landscape.

LAHORE: The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with finance ministry, on Tuesday, announced launching a massive crackdown on money-laundering and hawala/hundi networks across the country. A joint working group comprising the officials of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will be formed to regularly review the progress made in this regard. A meeting held under the joint chairmanship of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister f...

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday maintained its key policy rate at 10.5 per cent. Pakistan has begun to feel the economic fallout of the escalating conflict between the US-Israel against Iran, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and triggered a sharp rise in global fuel prices. In international markets, Brent crude is on track for a record one-day gain, as mounting geopolitical tensions place severe pressure on global energy supplies. Mean...

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched ‘Cyber Shield’, a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy, to counter growing global and domestic cyber threats to the financial ecosystem, aligning with international best practices. As part of its Vision 2028 agenda, the SBP launched Cyber Shield, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the safety and robustness of the country’s banking and financial system. The banks have been facing increasing incidents of cyber crimes, while the international organisations believe that every second Pakistani is facing the cybersecurity problem. With the rapid digitisation and very high growth of online payments, cyber threats have also increased. Bankers said the situation is not alarming, but there is a need to implement quick remedies to control it, which would help strengthen the banking system in Pakistan. Outlines key priorities to counter growing threats by 2030 “The milestones laid down in the strategy will be implemented in a phased manner by 2030. All regulated entities are required to align their internal cybersecurity programs with the strategy to ensure compliance,” said the SBP. The central bank said the strategy has been designed to better protect banks and financial institutions from cyber threats, thus ensuring that people and businesses can continue to access financial services safely. The SBP said it set out a clear roadmap to help financial institutions strengthen their systems and controls, prevent cyber incidents, respond quickly when cyber threats materialise, and recover effectively from them. “As the banking ecosystem faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the strategy aims to enhance cyber defences of the regulated entities through a holistic, forward-looking and collaborative approach,” said the SBP. Bankers said cybersecurity experts are not available to meet the growing demand in financial institutions, as many young Pakistani experts prefer jobs abroad with higher pay. There is no attractive policy to retain cybersecurity experts in the country. The SBP said the Cyber Shield focuses on five key priorities: strengthening the ability of banks to withstand cyber incidents, improving governance and accountability for cybersecurity, encouraging cooperation and information-sharing across the financial sector, building skilled cyber talent, and continuously updating security practices to keep pace with new risks. “The SBP will closely monitor both global and domestic cyber developments and will update the strategy as needed to address emerging threats,” said the SBP. By strengthening cyber resilience across the banking sector, SBP aims to safeguard customers, support digital innovation in a secure environment and ensure financial stability, it added. About 90 per cent of bankers believe that cybercrime is the biggest challenge confronting the banking industry in the country, according to a previous survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Pakistan. Seventy per cent list fraud as their major concern, and 60 per cent believe terrorism financing is the biggest threat, the survey showed. “Banks in Pakistan operate within an evolving financial crime compliance ecosystem,” said the survey report. Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026