Saudi Arabia deposits $2bn with State Bank of Pakistan

The State Bank of Pakistan has received $2 billion from the Ministry of Finance Saudi Arabia, providing a timely boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves. According to an official statement, the funds were transferred on April 15, 2026.

The deposit is part of ongoing financial support extended by Saudi Arabia to help stabilise Pakistan’s economy and strengthen its external position. Such inflows are expected to ease pressure on the balance of payments and support macroeconomic stability amid ongoing fiscal and monetary adjustments.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in financial support to Pakistan, offering a timely boost as the country grapples with rising external financing needs. Speaking in Washington, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Riyadh would also extend the tenure of an existing $5 billion deposit, providing further relief to Pakistan’s balance of payments.

The fresh support comes as Islamabad faces a significant funding gap, partly due to upcoming debt repayments to the United Arab Emirates. Officials believe the Saudi assistance will help stabilise foreign exchange reserves and ease short-term financial pressures.

A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Finance confirmed the move, noting that the $3 billion deposit is aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s external account position. The development highlights deepening economic and strategic ties between the two countries, which have expanded in recent years across financial and security cooperation.

Analysts view the latest commitment as a sign of continued Saudi confidence in Pakistan’s economic management, reinforcing Riyadh’s role as a key financial partner during periods of fiscal strain.