Pakistan reserves $19.81bn; remittances up, Saudi visit
KARACHI — Pakistan’s external position received a boost this week as total liquid foreign reserves rose to $19.81 billion, monthly worker remittances climbed to $3.2 billion in September, and a high-level Saudi delegation arrived in Karachi to explore investment opportunities. In parallel, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged Saudi businesses to invest in the province’s energy and agriculture sectors, according to local media reports.
Foreign reserves rise to $19.81bn
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves increased to $19.81 billion, Dunya News reported, citing the latest update. The uptick in reserves offers some breathing space for the economy as authorities work to strengthen external buffers and meet upcoming external payment obligations. While a detailed breakdown was not provided in the report, the headline figure reflects continued efforts to shore up the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) holdings alongside commercial bank balances.
Analysts typically track the reserves trajectory closely as an indicator of Pakistan’s capacity to manage imports and debt repayments. The latest improvement follows recent policy steps aimed at stabilising the current account and sustaining inflows.
September remittances hit $3.2bn, up 11.3% year-on-year
Overseas Pakistanis sent $3.2 billion in remittances in September, an 11.3% increase from the same month a year earlier, State Bank data cited by Telegraph India showed. The rise in inflows from the Pakistani diaspora reinforces a key source of support for household consumption, the external account, and the broader economy.
Remittances are among Pakistan’s most reliable foreign currency streams, often helping to offset trade deficits. The September gain underscores continued engagement from expatriate communities amid efforts to channel transfers through formal banking channels.
High-level Saudi delegation lands in Karachi
A high-level Saudi delegation arrived in Karachi to review potential investment opportunities, Aaj English TV reported. The visit adds momentum to ongoing discussions between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over expanding trade and investment ties.
The delegation’s Karachi stop is expected to focus on identifying sectors with near-term potential and areas where the business climate supports swift project execution. Saudi interest has historically spanned energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, with Pakistan pitching its large market and strategic location as key advantages.
Sindh CM pitches energy and agriculture opportunities
In a related development, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah invited Saudi businessmen to consider investments in the province’s energy and agriculture sectors, the Express Tribune reported. Shah’s outreach aligns with Sindh’s plan to expand power generation—particularly from renewable sources—and to modernise agriculture through technology, improved logistics, and value addition.
Provincial officials have emphasized facilitation for foreign investors, including project identification, land availability in designated industrial zones, and coordination with federal agencies where required. Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub and Sindh’s capital, often serves as the gateway for foreign delegations evaluating opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and services.
Context: Strengthening the external account
The flurry of developments—higher reserves, stronger remittances, and targeted investor outreach—comes as Pakistan seeks to consolidate macroeconomic stability. A steadier inflow of foreign exchange can ease pressure on the currency, support import cover, and improve business confidence.
Policymakers have prioritized attracting foreign direct investment, particularly from Gulf partners, to reduce reliance on short-term financing and to support longer-term growth. Provinces like Sindh, with established industrial bases and access to ports, have been stepping up their pitches to international investors as part of a broader effort to accelerate project pipelines.
What’s next
Attention will turn to whether September’s remittance momentum sustains in coming months and if the Saudi delegation’s fact-finding translates into concrete investment announcements. Additional clarity is expected as authorities release detailed reserves data and as follow-up business-to-business and government-to-business meetings take place in Karachi and Islamabad.
For now, the combination of stronger remittances, improved reserves, and active investor engagement signals a cautiously improving outlook for Pakistan’s external finances and investment prospects.
Sources: Dunya News; The Express Tribune; Telegraph India; Aaj English TV.