SBP’s forex holdings rise by $27m | The Express Tribune

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a modest improvement during the week ended November 14, 2025, with the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) holdings rising by $27 million to reach $14.551 billion, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.

The SBP’s weekly report showed that the country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $19.738 billion. Of this, commercial banks held $5.187 billion in net reserves, while the SBP’s share made up the bulk of the total.

The SBP on Thursday injected a combined liquidity of over Rs645 billion into the money market through both conventional and Shariah-compliant open market operations (OMOs).

The conventional one-day reverse repo (injection) OMO attracted substantial participation, with banks offering Rs512.6 billion, all of which was accepted by the SBP at an 11.10% rate of return. The realised value amounted to Rs497.186 billion and all seven submitted quotes were accepted.

In addition to the conventional operation, the central bank also conducted a Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based OMO, reflecting its parallel liquidity management framework for Islamic banking institutions. The SBP received offers totalling Rs146.5 billion, out of which Rs132.5 billion was accepted at a rate of return of 11.08%. Four out of five submitted quotes were accepted, with a realised value of Rs133.237 billion.

Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan declined on Thursday, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment as the international market remained steady following the release of delayed US jobs data. The report showed stronger-than-expected September employment numbers, prompting traders to reassess expectations for the Federal Reserve’s policy direction.

In the local market, the price of gold per tola fell by Rs5,000 to close at Rs426,562, while 10-gram gold was sold for Rs365,708, down Rs4,286, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. On Wednesday, gold per tola had risen by Rs7,900 to Rs431,562.

Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, commented, “Gold was trading around $4,090, marking a $67-73 increase in the market. The trend is slightly downwards and the market is moving slowly. Key levels to watch for are $4,000-4,020 on the downside and $4,155 on the upside. A close below $4,000 could push the market lower, while crossing $4,155 may trigger a rebound.”

The Pakistani rupee showed a slight uptick against the US dollar in the inter-bank market. It ended the day at 280.66, registering a modest gain of Rs0.01 versus the greenback.