Policy monitor
State Bank of Pakistan
A continuing view of Pakistan’s central bank, bringing policy-rate decisions, inflation signals, foreign-exchange reserves and banking measures into a single documented timeline.
Latest development
17 April 2026Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to extend $3bn SBP deposit
Pakistan and the Saudi Fund for Development on 17 April 2026 signed an agreement extending a $3bn deposit at the State Bank; SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed signed for Pakistan.
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Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan's current account swings to $1.07bn March surplus, second-highest on record
Pakistan posted a $1.07bn current account surplus in March 2026, the second-highest monthly figure on record, on lower imports and robust remittances.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceFitch affirms Pakistan's credit rating at 'B-', stable outlook despite Gulf energy shock
Fitch held Pakistan's B- rating with a stable outlook on 13 April 2026, citing IMF progress and rebuilt forex buffers.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceADB lifts Pakistan growth forecast to 3.5pc for FY26 as manufacturing rebounds
The Asian Development Bank raised Pakistan's FY26 GDP forecast to 3.5pc from 3pc on Friday, citing manufacturing recovery and post-flood rebuilding, but warned of downside risk.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan to repay $3.5bn UAE debt this month as April obligations hit $4.8bn
Pakistan will return its entire $3.5 billion debt to the United Arab Emirates this month in three instalments, officials said, bringing April external debt service to $4.8bn.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePSX plunges 3,500 points as Trump's Iran threat spooks investors
The KSE-100 fell 2.25 per cent to 152,011 points on 2 April 2026 after Donald Trump vowed to keep fighting in Iran, sending oil higher and dashing hopes of a quick end to the war.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceIMF, Pakistan sign staff-level agreement unlocking $1.2bn tranche
On 28 March 2026 the IMF announced a staff-level agreement unlocking $1.2bn for Pakistan under the EFF and RSF, with tacit backing for Islamabad's fuel subsidy.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceSBP holds policy rate at 10.5pc as Middle East war clouds FY26 outlook
Pakistan's central bank held its policy rate at 10.5 per cent as the Middle East war raised oil prices and inflation risks, pausing its two-year easing cycle.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan asks Saudi Arabia to expand oil facility and roll over $5bn
Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to raise its deferred-payment oil facility to $5bn and convert a $5bn State Bank deposit into a 10-year facility, Geo News reported.
Pakistan / Technology & TelecomSenate passes Virtual Assets Bill to formalise Pakistan's crypto regulator
The Senate passed the Virtual Assets Bill, 2025 on 27 February, moving to give legal cover to the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority before an ordinance lapses in March.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan repays $700m Chinese loan as FX reserves fall to $15.5bn
Pakistan repaid a $700 million China Development Bank loan, cutting gross official reserves to $15.5 billion ahead of an IMF review mission due on 25 February 2026.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePM Shehbaz unveils Rs38bn Ramazan Package 2026 as cashless relief
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a Rs38 billion Ramazan Package on 14 February, promising Rs13,000 in digital cash to each of more than 12 million families.