By Qudsia Bano

Pakistan secured $5.86 billion in foreign economic assistance during the first eight months of the current fiscal year (FY26), according to official data released by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The ministry’s monthly report shows that total disbursements reached $5,862.05 million during July–February FY26, reflecting inflows from bilateral and multilateral partners as well as other financing sources.

In February alone, Pakistan received around $692 million in foreign assistance, indicating a continued flow of external financing during the period under review.

The data shows that these inflows were made in the form of loans and grants, disbursed through different financing channels. The disbursements include contributions from bilateral partners such as China, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Japan and the United States, as well as multilateral institutions including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank Group entities (IBRD and IDA), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and others.

According to the report, multilateral inflows remained a significant component of overall disbursements, while bilateral contributions remained comparatively smaller.

The report also includes inflows from commercial sources and other financing instruments. These include disbursements from commercial banks as well as funds mobilised through non-project financing channels.

The data further shows that the inflows were distributed across different categories, including project financing and non-project support. Project-related disbursements were directed towards various development initiatives, while non-project inflows included budgetary support and other financing arrangements.

A breakdown of the data indicates that both loan and grant components contributed to the overall inflows, with loans accounting for the larger share of disbursements. The assistance was provided in cash, in-kind support, third-party payments and capital injections.

The report also highlights that disbursements were made across a range of sectors and programmes, including infrastructure development, energy, water resources, transport, social protection and other areas supported by development partners.

Credit: INP-WealthPk