Economy tracker

IMF & Pakistan

Follow Pakistan’s IMF programme, reviews, financing decisions and the policy changes shaping the country’s economy.

The reporting trail

Page 2 of 2
The State Bank of Pakistan building in Lahore on a sunny dayPakistan / Business & Finance

S&P projects Pakistan's economy to grow 3.5pc in FY26, 4.4pc in FY27

S&P Global Market Intelligence projected Pakistan's real GDP growth at 3.5pc in FY26 and 4.4pc in FY27, endorsing the State Bank's macroeconomic outlook.

The State Bank of Pakistan building photographed on a sunny dayPakistan / Business & Finance

SBP holds policy rate at 10.5pc, cites improving growth and 7.4pc core inflation

SBP held the policy rate at 10.5pc on 26 January 2026, citing 5.6pc headline inflation, 7.4pc core, 3.7pc Q1 GDP growth and $16.1bn FX reserves.

A fan of US dollar banknotes resting on a surface, with $100 and smaller denominations visiblePakistan / Business & Finance

Pakistan forex reserves rise to $16bn, highest since FY21

The State Bank reported reserves of $16.055bn for the week ending 2 January 2026, the highest level since FY21, on rising remittances and heavy central-bank dollar buying.