WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has asked US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to provide Pakistan with a $10 billion Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility.
Reuters first reported the request, which officials at Pakistan’s embassy in Washington later confirmed.
However, the officials did not provide further details. The US Treasury also declined to comment on the request.
An official embassy statement said Aurangzeb sought US support for Pakistan’s return to international capital markets.
The minister highlighted stronger foreign exchange reserves and improved sovereign credit ratings as key factors supporting the country’s economic recovery.
However, the statement did not mention the $10 billion facility.
Bilateral facility could support reserves
According to Reuters, Islamabad is seeking the bilateral stabilisation facility with a maturity of up to five years.
Under the proposed arrangement, the US government could provide loans or other financial backstops through the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilisation Fund.
The facility could help Pakistan strengthen foreign exchange reserves, ease debt pressures and stabilise its economy.
Such mechanisms generally aim to prevent currency instability and support partner countries through foreign exchange market interventions.
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that the request had “strong chances” of receiving approval.
One source said the Trump administration “has a keen interest in remaining engaged” with Pakistan.
The source added that Washington had repeatedly pledged to help strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
If approved, the facility could provide additional financial support as Pakistan seeks stronger reserves, improved market access and greater economic stability.
