Pakistan posts $1.07bn current account surplus in March

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $1.07 billion in March 2026, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), marking a sharp increase from the surplus of $231 million posted in February.

In a post on X, the central bank said, Current account balance recorded a surplus of $1,070 million in Mar 2026 compared to a surplus of $231 million in Feb 2026.

Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said on X that Pakistan’s external account had continued to improve and that the country had achieved a third straight monthly surplus in 2026. He said the March figures were among the strongest monthly outcomes on record.

Schehzad said the latest surplus was the second-highest ever, behind only the $1.2 billion surplus recorded in March 2025. He stated that Pakistan’s external sector was becoming more stable, with continued surpluses pointing to an improving balance of payments position.

Imports, remittances and monthly trend

The current account deficit has long been one of the persistent challenges for Pakistan’s economy. That pressure has been eased through a significant decline in imports, which has contributed to the surplus position.

Brokerage house Arif Habib Limited said that during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan posted a current account surplus of $8 million. In the same period last year, the country had recorded a surplus of $1.674 billion.

Topline Securities said the month-on-month rise in the current account surplus was driven by a narrower goods and services deficit as well as higher remittances.

The latest reading indicates a notable improvement in the monthly external account position in March compared to February. Official figures shared by the SBP and comments from the finance minister’s adviser pointed to strengthening external sector indicators during the opening months of 2026.

The March outcome also stands out because, according to Schehzad, it ranks among the strongest monthly performances on record and follows two earlier monthly surpluses this year.

The figures released on Wednesday add to recent signs of improvement in Pakistan’s external account, with the central bank and market analysts highlighting lower deficits in trade-related services and stronger remittance inflows as key factors behind the latest surplus.