Business Desk 
Dec 04, 2025
Saudi Arabia on Thursday extended the $3 billion debt repayment period by another one year — the fourth extension since 2021.
The term of the deposit — which was maturing on December 8 — was initially signed with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in 2021 and subsquently rolled over since then.
The central bank, in a statement, said: "The extension of the term of the deposit is continuation of the support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which will help in strengthening the foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
It should be noted that the financial assistance from major countries is essential for cash-strapped Pakistan as it grapples with a prolonged economic crisis that has drained its reserves and triggered a balance of payments crisis in the country.
This support ranges from providing Pakistan with oil on deferred payments, providing guarantees to international lenders such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and extending the term of its deposit with the SBP.
Saudi Arabia also serves as the top source of remittances for Islamabad, with more than 2.5 million overseas Pakistani nationals residing in the Kingdom.
