KARACHI: The Pakistan rupee extended its marginal upward trend for another week, appreciating by Re0.09 or 0.03% percent against the US dollar in the interbank market. The local unit closed at 279.01, against 279.10 it had closed the week earlier against the greenback, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at USD3.8 billion in March 2026, SBP data showed. Remittances increased by 16.5 percent on month-on-month basis and registered a decline of 5.5 percent on year-on-year basis. Foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP rose by USD19 million to USD16.40 billion during the week ended April 3, 2026.
Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were recorded at USD5.49 billion, bringing the country’s total reserves to USD21.89 billion.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Pakistan’s economy had stabilised and begun to show stronger momentum, but “downside risks were significant”.
“Pakistan’s economy recovered as growth strengthened and inflation declined in fiscal year 2025 (FY2025, ended 30 June 2025), supported by tight macroeconomic policies and progress in economic reform,” the ADB said in a report.
Open-market rates
In the open market, the PKR lost 33 paise for buying and remained unchanged for selling against USD, closing at 279.56 and 280.18, respectively.
Against Euro, the PKR lost 5.54 rupees for buying and 5.22 rupees for selling, closing at 326.72 and 329.78, respectively.
Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 26 paise for buying and 17 paise for selling, closing at 76.20 and 77.03, respectively.
Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 31 paise for buying and 26 paise for selling, closing at 74.52 and 75.30, respectively.
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Weekly inter-bank market rates for dollar
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Bid Close Rs. 279.01
Offer Close Rs. 279.21
Bid Open Rs. 279.10
Offer Open Rs. 279.30
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Weekly open-market rates for dollar
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Bid Close Rs. 279.56
Offer Close Rs. 280.18
Bid Open Rs. 279.23
Offer Open Rs. 280.18
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Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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