Policy monitor
State Bank of Pakistan
Track State Bank of Pakistan decisions on interest rates, inflation, reserves, the rupee and banking policy.
The reporting trail
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Pakistan / Business & FinanceSBP raises policy rate by 100bps to 11.5pc, first hike in three years
The State Bank of Pakistan raised its policy rate to 11.5 per cent on 27 April 2026, the first hike in nearly three years, citing conflict-driven energy prices.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceSBP receives final $1bn tranche of Saudi Arabia's $3bn deposit
The State Bank of Pakistan said on 21 April 2026 it had received the final $1 billion tranche of Saudi Arabia's $3 billion deposit, completing the package.
Pakistan / Technology & TelecomPakistan freelancers' IT earnings rise 50% to $856m in nine months
State Bank data show Pakistani freelancers in computer and IT services earned $856 million in the first nine months of FY26, up from $567 million a year earlier.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan, 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.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan raises $500m in first Eurobond sale in four years
Pakistan raised $500 million through a three-year Eurobond on 17 April 2026, its first international bond sale in four years, at a coupon of about 6.975 per cent.
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 & FinanceSBP legalises virtual assets and sets strict rules for crypto-linked bank accounts
Pakistan's central bank legalised virtual assets under the Virtual Assets Act 2026 and set strict conditions for banks serving licensed crypto firms.
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 & FinancePakistan secures $5bn financing pledge from Saudi Arabia and Qatar
Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledged US$5 billion in financial support as Pakistan faces about US$4.8bn of external repayments during April 2026, official sources said.
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 repays $1.3bn Eurobond on schedule as $3.5bn UAE repayment looms
Pakistan repaid a $1.3 billion Eurobond maturing on 8 April 2026 plus $126 million in coupons, the finance adviser said, while a $3.5 billion UAE repayment approaches.
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.