Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have inched higher, with gains led primarily by commercial banks, highlighting a modest improvement in the country's external liquidity position.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan, total liquid foreign reserves rose to $21.79bn as of March 27, 2026, compared with $21.74bn in the previous week. The increase reflects a gradual accumulation of reserves across both central and commercial banking channels.

The central bank's own holdings showed only a marginal uptick. Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank rose by $6m to $16.38bn during the week under review, indicating limited movement in official reserves.

By contrast, commercial banks accounted for the bulk of the increase. Their net foreign reserves climbed by $47.7m to $5.41bn, up from $5.36bn a week earlier.

The data suggest that while overall reserves are trending slightly upward, the pace of accumulation remains subdued. The modest rise underscores a steady but cautious improvement in Pakistan's external buffers, with gains driven more by the banking sector than by the central bank itself.