KARACHI: Pakistan rupee posted marginal gain for another week as it appreciated by Re0.09 or 0.03 percent against the US dollar in the inter-bank market.
The local unit closed at 279.86, against 279.95 it had closed the week earlier against the greenback, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Pakistan plans to return to the global bond market after a gap of four years, reflecting the country’s progress towards economic stabilisation after averting a last-minute default just a few years ago, reported Bloomberg.
Pakistan would issue a proposal for advisers in the coming weeks, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the international media outlet.
The minister, who was in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, shared that the government was still assessing whether to issue a dollar, euro or sukuk bond, and also preparing to launch the country’s first-ever panda bond within weeks.Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings affirmed Pakistan’s long-term debt ratings at B- and assigned a Recovery Rating of RR4 following the removal of the ratings from Under Criteria Observation (UCO).
The foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP increased by USD16 million on a weekly basis, reaching USD16.09 billion as of January 16, 2026.
Total liquid foreign reserves of the country stood at USD21.26 billion, while net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were recorded at $5.17 billion.
Open-market rates
In the open market, the PKR gained 6 paise for buying and 1 paisa for selling against USD, closing at 280.32 and 280.99, respectively.
Against Euro, the PKR lost 3.38 rupees for buying and 3.15 rupees for selling, closing at 328.96 and 331.94, respectively.
Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 2 paise for both buying and selling, closing at 76.51 and 77.27, respectively.
Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR remained unchanged for buying and gained 2 paise for selling, closing at 74.84 and 75.42, respectively.
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Weekly inter-bank market rates for dollar
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Bid Close Rs. 279.86
Offer Close Rs. 280.06
Bid Open Rs. 279.95
Offer Open Rs. 280.15
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Weekly open-market rates for dollar
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Bid Close Rs. 280.32
Offer Close Rs. 280.99
Bid Open Rs. 280.38
Offer Open Rs. 281.00
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Copyright Business Recorder, 2026