State Bank of Pakistan Rebuilds Reserves, Secures IMF EFF Agreement
What happened
The State Bank of Pakistan recovered foreign exchange reserves, rising from under $3 billion in February 2023 to $21.5 billion by October 9, 2026. This build was achieved through the central bank's own foreign exchange purchases, not new borrowing. SBP also reduced its forward liabilities from over $5.7 billion to less than $1 billion and secured an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
From tribune.com.pk
Why it matters
Governor Jameel Ahmad stated that the economy has become more resilient due to sustained macroeconomic policies and structural reforms. The reserve recovery was facilitated by an almost balanced current account in FY26, and real GDP growth reached 3.7% after contracting in FY23.
From tribune.com.pk
Who's involved
- SbpCentral bank managing monetary policy and reserves for Pakistan
- International Monetary FundInternational financial institution that provided the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement
- Jameel AhmedGovernor who reported on the reserve recovery and economic stability
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- PakistanSpeculative
Pakistan might see improved sovereign credit and greater access to funding following the reserve recovery and IMF agreement.
- Standard CharteredSpeculative
Standard Chartered might see an improved investment climate and reduced operational risk in Pakistan.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
- Sbp
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World Bank
international financial institution
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International Monetary Fund
international financial institution
Related events
- IMF and World Bank held their annual meetings together on October 1, 2026.
- Taiwo Oyedele spoke at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings on October 13, 2026.
- CBUAE participated in the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok and held bilateral discussions with the Bank of Korea and MAS.
- Monetary Authority of Singapore held meetings on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.