Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves remain steady

KARACHI: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recorded no major change during the week ending October 14.

According to the data released by the central bank on Thursday, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $7,597.2 million on October 14, compared with $7,596.9 on October 7.

Overall liquid foreign currency reserves held by the country, including net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, stood at $13,250.9 million.

Net reserves held by banks amounted to $5,653.7 million. The central bank cited no reason behind this nominal change.

With the current foreign exchange reserves position, Pakistan has an import cover of fewer than 1.10 months.

A critical level of reserves has caused severe pressure on the Pakistani rupee with the local unit.

Pakistan’s economy faces serious challenges due to decreasing foreign exchange reserves and political instability.

Foreign exchange reserves were decreasing by $300-400 million on weekly basis due to an increase in imports and have fallen below $8 billion, which is an alarming situation.