Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia Extends USD 3 Billion Deposit to Pakistan
Saudi Arabia has decided to keep its USD 3 billion deposit in Pakistan's central bank for another year.
This money helps Pakistan have enough foreign currency to pay for imports and other needs.
The deposit was supposed to be returned in December 2025, but now it will stay until December 2026.
This is good news for Pakistan because it helps the country meet its financial goals and pay back some of its debts.
However, some experts say Pakistan should focus on fixing its own economic problems instead of relying on foreign help.
They also point out that Pakistan pays interest on these deposits and has not been able to return any of the money in the last four years.
Saudi Arabia extended the USD 3 billion deposit with Pakistan's central bank until December 2026.
The deposit, originally due in December 2025, supports Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves and macroeconomic stability.
Pakistan's total liquid foreign currency reserves stood at USD 19.59 billion as of November 28, 2025.
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad noted a reduction in Pakistan's external debt-to-GDP ratio from 31% to 26%.
Critics argue that the rollover highlights Pakistan's dependency on foreign support and delays necessary fiscal reforms.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
- What
- Extension of USD 3 billion deposit
- When
- Extended until December 2026
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- To bolster Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves and support macroeconomic stability
- Deposit Amount
- USD 3 billion
- Original Maturity Date
- December 8, 2025
- Extended Maturity Date
- December 2026
- Pakistan's Total Liquid Reserves (Nov 28, 2025)
- USD 19.59 billion
- Central Bank Reserves (Nov 28, 2025)
- USD 14.57 billion
- Commercial Banks Reserves (Nov 28, 2025)
- USD 5.01 billion
- External Debt-to-GDP Ratio (2025)
- 26%
- Annual External Debt Increase (2015-2022)
- USD 6.4 billion