Pakistan Economy Saudi & Pakistan Relations SBP Reserves — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince MBS in Jeddah just as the $2 billion landed in Pakistan's central bank.

SBP receives $2bn Saudi inflow, boosting foreign reserves

Saudi Arabia Steps Up for Pakistan Again — $2 Billion Arrives as More Relief Is on the Way

By Fahad On Apr 16, 2026

State Bank of Pakistan – (Web Desk) – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, giving a much-needed lift to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthening its overall financial position.

The central bank confirmed the transfer on Thursday, stating that funds worth $2 billion were received from the Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a value date of April 15, 2026.

The timing of this financial support is significant. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was visiting Saudi Arabia at the time, working on diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. During his visit, he also met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Jeddah, where he warmly thanked Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support for Pakistan’s economic stability.

PM Shehbaz also expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Kingdom amid rising regional tensions, saying that “the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our Saudi brethren.” He also offered heartfelt condolences over the lives lost in recent events.

Just a day before this announcement, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared some more encouraging news — Saudi Arabia has pledged an additional $3 billion in financial support for Pakistan, with the money expected to arrive next week. On top of that, Riyadh has also agreed to roll over an existing $5 billion deposit for a longer period, as Aurangzeb revealed during a press briefing in Washington.

This growing financial partnership reflects a deepening bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which was further strengthened last year when both countries signed a mutual defense pact — agreeing that an attack on one would be considered an attack on both.

Pakistan is currently navigating some financial pressure, including a $3.5 billion repayment due to the UAE this month, which has weighed on its foreign exchange reserves. As of late March, reserves stood at around $16.4 billion. Under Pakistan’s $7 billion IMF programme, the country is aiming to push those reserves beyond $18 billion by June.

State Bank of Pakistan has received funds of US$2 billion from Ministry of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the value date of 15April2026.

— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) April 16, 2026

This is far from the first time Saudi Arabia has come to Pakistan’s aid. Back in 2018, Riyadh offered a $6 billion support package, which included a $3 billion central bank deposit and $3 billion worth of oil on deferred payment terms.

Saudi Arabia Extends $5 Billion Deposit Boosts Pakistan Financial Stability

On a positive note, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met with Finance Minister Aurangzeb on Wednesday and praised Pakistan’s commitment to its economic reform programme, saying that strong implementation has helped the country maintain macroeconomic stability and build confidence — a reassuring sign for Pakistan’s financial future.