Saudi Arabia Rolls Over $5 Billion Deposit for Pakistan, Strengthening External Financial Position

Islamabad:Saudi Arabia has once again rolled over its **$5 billion** deposit for Pakistan, a move confirmed by the country’s Finance Minister and widely viewed as a significant boost to Pakistan’s external financial stability.

According to media reports, the rolled-over facility was originally provided to help Pakistan meet its financial obligations, including payments related to the United Arab Emirates. The facility was initially arranged for a three-month period but has now been extended, relieving Pakistan of the immediate pressure of repaying **$5 billion**.

Officials at the **State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)** said the rollover has further strengthened the country’s external financial position. They added that rollover arrangements from Saudi Arabia and other friendly countries have eased pressure on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and provided substantial relief in meeting short-term external debt obligations.

Reports said Saudi Arabia’s total deposits in Pakistan have now reached **$8 billion**, reflecting the close economic ties between the two countries and Riyadh’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s economy.

Pakistan also secured a separate **$3 billion** financial facility from Saudi Arabia in **April** this year. Meanwhile, the country’s external financing requirement for the **2026–27 fiscal year** has declined to **$21.5 billion**, lower than in previous years.

Sources in the Ministry of Finance said interest payments on foreign debt have also decreased by nearly **$500 million**, reducing the government’s financial burden and creating additional fiscal space for development spending.

Pakistan has already repaid **$2.2 billion** in external debt during July. However, officials said the Saudi rollover has provided important financial support despite those repayments and is expected to help maintain stability in the country’s foreign exchange reserves.