Pakistan gets another financial boost; $1b received from Saudi Arabia

The State Bank of Pakistan has confirmed it received $2 billion from the Ministry of Finance Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2026, providing a significant boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and easing pressure on its external account.

The transfer came during Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. During the meeting, the prime minister thanked the Kingdom for its continued financial backing and reiterated Pakistan’s support amid recent regional tensions, expressing solidarity with the Saudi leadership.

The development followed an announcement by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb that Riyadh would provide a total of $3 billion in fresh assistance. He also noted that Saudi Arabia had extended the tenure of an existing $5 billion deposit, further reinforcing financial ties between the two countries.

Pakistan is currently managing external financing challenges, including upcoming repayments and targets under its $7 billion program with the International Monetary Fund. The latest inflow is expected to support reserve levels and help maintain economic stability as the country works toward strengthening its financial position.