Foreign assistance to Pakistan climbs 18% to $5.86B in FY26's 8 months

Pakistan received $5.862 billion in foreign assistance during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, marking an 18.35% increase from $4.953 billion in the same period last year, according to official data released Wednesday.

Figures from the Economic Affairs Division show that inflows between July 2025 and February 2026 were driven largely by multilateral lenders and bilateral partners, alongside support tied to a Saudi oil facility estimated at about $800 million during the period.

In February alone, total inflows stood at $692 million, up from $625.7 million in January. Of this, $106.33 million came through bilateral sources, including $101.98 million in loans from Saudi Arabia and $3.87 million from Japan.

Multilateral disbursements in February totaled $246.94 million, led by the International Development Association with $113.95 million and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development with $91.88 million. The Asian Development Bank contributed $38.18 million, while the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provided $3.16 million.

For the July-February period, bilateral loans and grants reached $1.038 billion, including $1.001 billion in loans.

Saudi Arabia emerged as a key contributor, extending $708.46 million in loans, alongside additional support linked to the oil facility. China also provided significant financing, including guaranteed and direct loans totaling over $330 million.

Multilateral assistance during the eight months stood at $2.373 billion, with loans accounting for $2.319 billion. The Asian Development Bank led with $648.25 million, followed by the International Development Association at $711.27 million. Other contributors included the Islamic Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Grant inflows remained modest, totaling $54.01 million from multilateral sources and $36.38 million from bilateral partners, with Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Germany among the leading donors.

Separately, Pakistan raised $1.77 billion through Naya Pakistan Certificates during the period.

Data from the International Monetary Fund was not included in the Economic Affairs Division’s accounting, as its support is recorded by the central bank for balance-of-payments.