Karachi: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves increased to USD 21.408 billion during the week ended February 20, 2026, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.
The central bank’s own reserves rose by USD 16 million on a weekly basis to USD 16.213 billion. Meanwhile, commercial banks held USD 5.195 billion, taking the country’s overall reserves to USD 21.408 billion. Brokerage house Arif Habib Ltd said the current reserve position provides an import cover of approximately 2.53 months.
In the inter-bank market, the Pakistani rupee posted a marginal gain against the US dollar on Thursday. By the close of trading, the local currency settled at 279.50 per dollar, appreciating by PKR 0.01 compared to the previous session. On Wednesday, the rupee had finished at 279.51 per dollar, as per the central bank’s data.
In the commodities market, gold prices in Pakistan eased in line with subdued trends in the international bullion market. According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the price of 24-karat gold declined by PKR 700 per tola to PKR 540,562. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold fell by PKR 600 to PKR 463,444.
The decline followed a modest increase a day earlier, when gold per tola had risen by PKR 1,300 amid safe-haven demand linked to geopolitical tensions. Silver prices also moved lower, dropping by PKR 350 to settle at PKR 9,204 per tola, according to market data.
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