FX reserves inch up to reach $22.67b

SBP holdings rise $25m to $17.22b; gold down Rs9,720/tola

KARACHI:

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves recorded a modest increase during the week ended June 5, 2026, with deposits of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rising by $25 million to $17.22 billion, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.

The SBP said its foreign exchange reserves stood at $17.215 billion as of June 5, compared with $17.190 billion a week earlier, reflecting a marginal improvement in the country's external account position.

Meanwhile, the net foreign reserves held by commercial banks amounted to $5.457 billion. As a result, the country's total liquid foreign reserves reached $22.672 billion at the end of the reported week.

Furthermore, the Pakistani rupee edged up by one paisa against the US dollar, settling at Rs278.35 in the inter-bank market compared with Wednesday's close at Rs278.36.

Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan extended their downward trend, despite a strong recovery in international markets, as local rates continued to adjust after recent volatility.

According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold per tola dropped by Rs9,720 to Rs432,716 in the domestic market.

In contrast, international gold prices staged a strong rebound on Thursday. Spot gold rose 2% to $4,153.71 per ounce by 1800 GMT after touching its lowest level since late November earlier in the trading session, according to Reuters.

Adnan Agar, Director of Interactive Commodities, attributed the recovery in global bullion prices to easing concerns over a potential military escalation in the Middle East after US President Donald Trump called off planned military strikes on Iran. The development reduced fears of a broader conflict that could disrupt oil supplies, fuel inflationary pressures and keep global interest rates elevated for longer.