Pakistan received a major financial boost after the International Monetary Fund approved the latest tranche under its ongoing lending programmes. The fresh inflow is expected to strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves and support economic stability efforts.
The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed that nearly $1.3 billion has been received through the IMF under two different financing arrangements. The funds were released under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
According to officials, the amount will appear in the State Bank’s foreign reserves data for the week ending May 15, 2026.
The latest development came after the IMF Executive Board approved Pakistan’s third review under the EFF programme and the second review under the RSF arrangement during a meeting held in Washington, DC on May 9.
The approval unlocked fresh financing worth around $1.32 billion for Pakistan.
Out of the total amount, nearly $1.1 billion was released under the Extended Fund Facility. Another $220 million was provided through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
Pakistan’s EFF programme was originally approved in September 2024. The 37-month programme focuses on stabilizing the economy and improving financial resilience. It also aims to support long-term economic growth through structural reforms and policy adjustments.
The latest IMF inflow is expected to provide support to Pakistan’s external account position at a time when the country continues efforts to stabilize inflation, maintain reserves, and manage financing needs.
As of mid-May 2026, the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at approximately $15.85 billion. Total liquid reserves, including those held by commercial banks, were reported at around $21.29 billion.
Economic analysts say the reserves have improved gradually over recent months due to external financing and inflows from international lenders.
At the current level, Pakistan’s reserves are estimated to cover nearly 2.5 to 3 months of imports. This is considered a moderate improvement compared to previous periods of economic pressure.
Government officials have repeatedly stated that continued support from international financial institutions remains important for maintaining macroeconomic stability and rebuilding investor confidence.
The latest funding approval is also being viewed as a positive signal for Pakistan’s economic reform programme and its ongoing engagement with global lenders.
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While economic challenges remain, the new inflow is expected to ease short-term financial pressure and support the country’s foreign reserve position in the coming months.
