SBP reserves dip 4.84 per cent, total reserves drop to $15.55 billion

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves fell by $540 million, or 4.84 per cent, during the week ending March 21, 2025, bringing the total to $10.61 billion, according to data released by the central bank.

In a broader trend, the country’s overall reserves also declined, dropping by $464.8 million, or 2.9 per cent, to stand at $15.55 billion. However, reserves held by commercial banks saw an increase of $75.2 million, up by 1.54 per cent, reaching $4.94 billion.

For the current fiscal year, SBP reserves have shown growth, increasing by $1.22 billion, or 12.96 per cent. However, when looking at the calendar year, there has been a decline of $1.1 billion, or 9.42 per cent.

In another development, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has entered into a significant partnership with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Colombo, aiming to enhance cooperation between the three exchanges.

The MoU focuses on several key areas, including technology development, where the exchanges will work together on system upgrades and digital transformation. It also highlights human resource development, promoting cross-training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen expertise across the exchanges.

Additionally, the agreement prioritises product innovation, with the three exchanges collaborating to develop new financial products to diversify their offerings. Regulatory cooperation and investor protection are also central to this partnership, with a commitment to long-term collaboration in these areas.

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