The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday announced that it has fully repaid $1 billion to the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), completing the return of $3.45 billion in deposits received from the United Arab Emirates.
According to a statement shared on X, the latest repayment was made on April 23 following an earlier settlement of $2.45 billion last week. With this final tranche all UAE deposits held with the central bank have now been cleared.
“This completes the repayment of total deposits of $3.45 billion to UAE,” the SBP said.
State Bank of Pakistan repaid deposit of US$ 1 billion to Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) UAE on 23April2026. Deposits of $2.45 billion were repaid last week. This completes the repayment of total deposits of $3.45 billion to UAE.
— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) April 24, 2026
Earlier on April 18 the SBP had confirmed repayment of $2 billion explaining that the funds were previously maintained with the central bank as a secure deposit arrangement.
The repayments come at a time when Pakistan is under continued pressure on its external financing position. Analysts say the return of these deposits, along with associated interest obligations, could further widen the country’s financing gap.
In a separate development Pakistan has also repaid $1.43 billion in external debt including a $1.3 billion Eurobond as part of its ongoing debt management strategy.
The move follows an agreement with Saudi Arabia to roll over a $3 billion deposit placed with the SBP, extending its maturity period. The central bank also confirmed receiving $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, with a value date of April 15, 2026.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Pakistan is actively exploring multiple financing avenues, including Eurobonds, Islamic sukuk, and commercial borrowing, to replace maturing obligations and support foreign exchange reserves.
Speaking during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, he noted that Pakistan is keeping all financing options open, including international capital markets and commercial loans.
He also highlighted that external economic pressures including ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted discussions on energy security measures such as establishing a strategic petroleum reserve and accelerating renewable energy adoption.
Aurangzeb further stated that Pakistan has not yet requested changes to its $7 billion IMF programme despite global economic challenges, although adjustments remain under consideration depending on future conditions.
The IMF Executive Board is expected to approve the next tranche of Pakistan’s programme by the end of this month or early next month, unlocking around $1.3 billion under the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
