Category: Money & Banking

Money and banking drive economic activity by facilitating transactions, savings, and investments. Banks manage financial resources, offer credit, and regulate money supply, ensuring stability and growth in Pakistan’s financial sector.

  • PITB, Faysal Bank sign MoU to facilitate freelancers

    PITB, Faysal Bank sign MoU to facilitate freelancers

    LAHORE: Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate freelancers across Pakistan.

    The ceremony of agreement signing was held at Arfa Technology Park on Wednesday June 1, 2022. The MoU was signed by PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and FBL Head CIBG Ali Waqar on behalf of their respective organizations.

    Senior officials from both organizations including PITB’s JD Freelancing Wing Ahmed Islam, State Bank of Pakistan’s Senior Officer Ali Atta, and Payoneer’s Country Manager Mohsin Muzaffar and Partnerships Manager Affaf Noor were also present.

    According to the MoU, PITB and Faysal Bank would collaborate to support endeavors and activities of mutual interest for the facilitation of freelancers by offering them a “Digital Freelancer Account”.

    READ MORE: FBR establishes IT center against cyber security attacks

    In particular, FBL would provide the Digital Freelancer Account to existing and to-be PITB graduates as well as sponsor different events organized by PITB related to digital technology, youth empowerment, and freelancing ecosystem.

    Besides many other benefits, FBL would also give laptops to the top performer and mobile phones to the second and third top performers of each batch as an appreciation of emerging freelancers. Furthermore, FBL would market and give partner privilege to PITB owing to the organization’s large freelancers’ base across Pakistan (alumni and trainees).

    PITB is committed to providing work opportunities and imparting digital skills to freelancers across Punjab through various initiatives. Over the last year, PITB has extended its support nationwide through endeavors for aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers hailing from diverse social backgrounds. PITB’s freelancing initiatives are catering both men and women alike, training them to be economically empowered.

  • Dollar loses Rs4.14 in four sessions; falls to Rs197.87

    Dollar loses Rs4.14 in four sessions; falls to Rs197.87

    KARACHI: The US dollar has lost around Rs4.14 against the Pakistan Rupee (PKR) during last four sessions to end at Rs197.87 in the interbank foreign exchange market on Wednesday.

    The dollar hit record high at Rs202.01 on May 26, 2022. However, with the decision of the government to partially withdraw the subsidy to get next tranche of the IMF, the rupee sharply made gains against the dollar.

    READ MORE: Rupee continues recovery against dollar; ends at Rs198.46

    The exchange rate witnessed 59 paisas gain in rupee value against the dollar on Wednesday from previous day’s closing of Rs198.46 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    The market sources said that the rupee remained in recovery mode due to rumors of further tightening on fiscal side.

    The exchange rate was at Rs185.63 on April 29, 2022 and since then the local unit continued its free fall to reach at the historic level of Rs202.01 to the dollar on May 26, 2022.

    The rupee remained under pressure against the greenback during the current fiscal year. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken various measures to support balance of payment and the local currency. However, the measures ended in a failure to help the rupee to recover losses.

    READ MORE: Rupee recovers 70 paisas against dollar in interbank

    The SBP on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent.

    Recently the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves eased to $16.15 billion by week ended May 20, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves were at $16.161 billion a week ago i.e. May 13, 2022. The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.078 billion.

    READ MORE: Rupee ends month-long losing streak; dollar at Rs199.76

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $178 million to $10.089 billion by week ended May 20, 2022 as compared with $10.164 billion a week ago. The SBP reserves reached to record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by $10.056 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1 ½ months.

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s energy bill was $17.03 billion during the first nine 10 months (July – April) 2021/2022 as compared with $8.69 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

    READ MORE: Rupee makes historic low at Rs202 against dollar

  • Rupee continues recovery against dollar; ends at Rs198.46

    Rupee continues recovery against dollar; ends at Rs198.46

    KARACHI: The Pakistan Rupee (PKR) continued recovery against the US dollar for third consecutive day on Tuesday on rumors further increase in petroleum prices for ensuring release of next IMF tranche.

    The exchange rate ended with a gain of 60 paisas in rupee value to end at Rs198.46 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs199.06 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    READ MORE: Rupee recovers 70 paisas against dollar in interbank

    The rupee high all-time low of Rs202.01 to the dollar on May 26, 2022.

    On the same day, the government decided to withdraw a portion of subsidy and announced a sharp increase of Rs30 per liter in prices of each petroleum products.

    The market is expecting the government decision would pave way for release of tranche under Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    However, after the decision to increase the prices of petroleum products the rupee recovered Rs3.55 to the dollar in next three sessions.

    READ MORE: Rupee ends month-long losing streak; dollar at Rs199.76

    The market sources said that the rupee remained in recovery mode due to rumors of further increase in prices of petroleum products.

    The exchange rate was at Rs185.63 on April 29, 2022 and since then the local unit continued its free fall to reach at the historic level of Rs202.01 to the dollar on May 26, 2022.

    The rupee remained under pressure against the greenback during the current fiscal year. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken various measures to support balance of payment and the local currency. However, the measures ended in a failure to help the rupee to recover losses.

    READ MORE: Rupee makes historic low at Rs202 against dollar

    The SBP on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent.

    Recently the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves eased to $16.15 billion by week ended May 20, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves were at $16.161 billion a week ago i.e. May 13, 2022. The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.078 billion.

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $178 million to $10.089 billion by week ended May 20, 2022 as compared with $10.164 billion a week ago. The SBP reserves reached to record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by $10.056 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1 ½ months.

    READ MORE: Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s energy bill was $17.03 billion during the first nine 10 months (July – April) 2021/2022 as compared with $8.69 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record high at Rs201.41 despite monetary tightening

  • Rupee recovers 70 paisas against dollar in interbank

    Rupee recovers 70 paisas against dollar in interbank

    KARACHI: The Pakistan Rupee (PKR) recovered 70 paisas against the US dollar on Monday to reach at Rs199.06 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    The exchange rate was ended at Rs199.76 to the dollar on Friday May 27, 2022 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    READ MORE: Rupee ends month-long losing streak; dollar at Rs199.76

    The rupee made recovery against the dollar for the second straight day after the government announced hike in prices of petroleum products. The market is expecting the government decision would pave way for release of tranche under Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The exchange rate was at Rs185.63 on April 29, 2022 and since then the local unit continued its free fall to reach at the historic level of Rs202.01 to the dollar on May 26, 2022.

    The rupee remained under pressure against the greenback during the current fiscal year. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken various measures to support balance of payment and the local currency. However, the measures ended in a failure to help the rupee to recover losses.

    READ MORE: Rupee makes historic low at Rs202 against dollar

    The SBP on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent.

    Recently the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves eased to $16.15 billion by week ended May 20, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves were at $16.161 billion a week ago i.e. May 13, 2022. The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.078 billion.

    READ MORE: Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $178 million to $10.089 billion by week ended May 20, 2022 as compared with $10.164 billion a week ago. The SBP reserves reached to record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by $10.056 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1 ½ months.

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record high at Rs201.41 despite monetary tightening

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s energy bill was $17.03 billion during the first nine 10 months (July – April) 2021/2022 as compared with $8.69 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

  • SBP directs banks to report digital fraud cases

    SBP directs banks to report digital fraud cases

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed banks to submit reports of all digital frauds and scams related to their account holders.

    The SBP issued a circular dated May 26, 2022 said it had been decided that all banks and microfinance banks (MFBs) would additionally submit data of all digital frauds and scams on monthly basis.

    “This will include all frauds and scams reported at call centers or through other means such as email, letters, etc. or otherwise detected by the banks/ MFBs themselves,” the central bank said.

    The banks/ MFBs shall report data as per the prescribed format to the Banking Supervision Department (BSD)-2 of SBP on monthly basis.

    The data shall be reported in soft copy in Microsoft Excel format (Annexure – A) within 10 days from the close of every month at email ID [email protected].

    The SBP directed the banks to submit reports of frauds and scams related to digital products. The report shall also include the cases of frauds related to: number of accounts/cases; mobile app/wallet (Android); mobile app/Wallet (IOS); E-Commerce Transactions/Merchant Payment Authorization (via USSD/Mobile App/Internet Banking; internet banking; USSD; Branchless Banking Agent Retail Application; ATMs; Point of Sale; and other digital channels.

    The banks are required to provide details of digital fraud including number of affected accounts and amount disputed. Further, related to digital scams, the banks are required to provide number of affected accounts and amount disputed.

  • SBP injects Rs3.22 trillion to banking system through OMO

    SBP injects Rs3.22 trillion to banking system through OMO

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday injected a hefty amount of Rs3.22 trillion to the banking system through 7-day and 63-day Open Market Operation (OMO).

    The SBP conducted the 63-day Open Market Operation (OMO) and injected Rs1.8 trillion at a rate of 13.84 per cent. Analysts at Topline Securities said that the SBP conducted the 63-day operation after a gap of three months.

    The SBP also injected Rs1.4 trillion in 7-day OMO at 13.78 per cent.

    READ MORE: Rupee ends month-long losing streak; dollar at Rs199.76

    To recall, SBP last injected Rs425 billion at a rate of 9.91 per cent on January 7, 2022 for 63-days. Similarly, it also conducted such 63 day OMO injections on December 17,2022, December 24, 2022 and December 31,2022 by injecting Rs689 billion, Rs382 billion and Rs274 billion, respectively.

    Normally, SBP conducts short duration OMO of 7-days. This 63 days OMO provides banks liquidity for longer term that stabilizes rates in the money market, the analysts said.

    OMO is a tool used by a Central Bank (or monetary authority) to inject or mop-up funds, based on the liquidity requirements, from the banking system via the purchase or sale of eligible securities.

    Operationally, in case of OMO (Injections), SBP lends funds to banks against eligible collateral to address liquidity shortage in the system.

    READ MORE: SBP governor inaugurates Meezan Roshan Digital Center

    Yields specially in the shorter tenure rose sharply due to delay in IMF program, huge subsidy on petrol/diesel, and depleting foreign exchange reserves, the analysts added.

    In 2022 to date, 6-month/12-month T-Bill yields were up around 330 basis points to 14.61 per cent to 14.65 per cent till yesterday. Yields on 3-year and 5-year bonds increased by 200 basis points and 130 basis points to 13.51 per cent and 12.76 per cent, respectively.

    To recall, SBP in its last analyst briefing post Monetary Policy Announcement stated that it can use various monetary policy tools to bring stability in secondary market yields.

    READ MORE: SCBPL launches project to empower youth with disabilities

    As a result of this development and announcement of increase in petrol prices, secondary market yields have started showing downward trend. As per our channel checks, yields on shorter tenure instruments 6-month/12-month T-Bills are down by 20-40 basis points to around 14.4 per cent, down from a recent high of around 15.1 per cent on May 16, 2022.

    Pakistan Stock Market and currency market has also reacted positively to the development. PSX is thus far up 1.3 per cent or 556 points to 43,098 index level. Similarly, PKR has appreciated by Rs2 against USD in the interbank market.

    READ MORE: SBP cuts car loan tenure to three years

  • Rupee ends month-long losing streak; dollar at Rs199.76

    Rupee ends month-long losing streak; dollar at Rs199.76

    KARACHI: The Pakistan Rupee (PKR) ended its almost month-long losing streak against the dollar on Friday May 27, 2022 by gaining Rs2.25 to end at Rs199.76 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    The rupee make recovery after the government decided to increase prices of petroleum products to pave way for release of tranche under Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    READ MORE: Rupee makes historic low at Rs202 against dollar

    The exchange rate was at Rs185.63 on April 29, 2022 and since then the local unit continued its free fall to reach at the historic level of Rs202.01 to the dollar on May 26, 2022.

    The rupee remained under pressure against the greenback during the current fiscal year. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken various measures to support balance of payment and the local currency. However, the measures ended in a failure to help the rupee to recover losses.

    READ MORE: Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent.

    Last week the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves eased to $16.15 billion by week ended May 20, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves were at $16.161 billion a week ago i.e. May 13, 2022. The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.078 billion.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record high at Rs201.41 despite monetary tightening

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $178 million to $10.089 billion by week ended May 20, 2022 as compared with $10.164 billion a week ago. The SBP reserves reached to record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by $10.056 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1 ½ months.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits fresh high at Rs200.93 as rupee free-fall continues

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s energy bill was $17.03 billion during the first nine 10 months (July – April) 2021/2022 as compared with $8.69 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

  • Rupee makes historic low at Rs202 against dollar

    Rupee makes historic low at Rs202 against dollar

    KARACHI: The Pakistan Rupee (PKR) continued to bleed against the dollar on Thursday as exchange rate ended at Rs202 to the dollar at closing of interbank foreign exchange market.

    The rupee lost eight paisas against the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs210.92 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    READ MORE: Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    Currency experts believed that delay in tranche under IMF bailout package had further deteriorated the local currency.

    Besides, political uncertainty remained the major reason for the rupee depreciation.

    The rupee for the last one year remained under pressure due to weak economic indicators including ballooning current account deficit, high import payments and depletion in foreign exchange reserves.

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent, considering the weak economic indicators.

    The SBP hiked the rate with arguments that after contracting by 0.9 percent in FY20 in the wake of Covid, the economy has rebounded much more strongly than anticipated, growing by 5.7 percent last year and accelerating to 5.97 percent this year, as per provisional estimates.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record high at Rs201.41 despite monetary tightening

    “At 13.4 percent (y/y), headline inflation unexpectedly rose to a two-year high in April and has now been in double digits for six consecutive months. Inflation momentum was also elevated, at 1.6 percent (m/m), and core inflation rose further to 10.9 and 9.1 percent in rural and urban areas, respectively. On the external front, notwithstanding some encouraging moderation in the current account deficit during April, the Rupee depreciated further due both to domestic uncertainty as well as recent strengthening of the US dollar in international markets following tightening by the Federal Reserve.”

    The present government inherited with serious economic challenges including falling foreign exchange reserves and ballooning current account deficit. The PML-N led coalition government is negotiating with the IMF for bailout package amid these economic crisis.

    Last week the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits fresh high at Rs200.93 as rupee free-fall continues

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $16.161 billion by the week ended May 13, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves of the country were $16.373 billion by week ended May 6, 2022.

    The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by the week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.067 billion.

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $146 million to $10.163 billion by the week ended May 13, 2022 as compared with $10.309 billion a week ago.

    The SBP reserves reached a record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by around $10 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1.50 months.

    READ MORE: Dollar touches new peak at Rs200.14

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s oil bill was $14.81 billion during the first nine months (July – March) 2021/2022 as compared with $7.55 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

  • Dollar jumps to Rs202.50 in midday interbank trading

    Dollar jumps to Rs202.50 in midday interbank trading

    KARACHI: The US dollar appreciated by 58 paisas against the Pakistan Rupee (PKR) to make new high at Rs202.50 in midday trading at the interbank foreign exchange market on Thursday.

    The exchange rate ended at Rs201.92 to the dollar a day earlier in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    Currency experts said that delay in IMF next tranche further deteriorated the rupee value.foreign exchange market was under pressure due to deepening in political uncertainties.

    READ MORE: Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent, considering the weak economic indicators.

    The SBP hiked the rate with arguments that after contracting by 0.9 percent in FY20 in the wake of Covid, the economy has rebounded much more strongly than anticipated, growing by 5.7 percent last year and accelerating to 5.97 percent this year, as per provisional estimates.

    “At 13.4 percent (y/y), headline inflation unexpectedly rose to a two-year high in April and has now been in double digits for six consecutive months. Inflation momentum was also elevated, at 1.6 percent (m/m), and core inflation rose further to 10.9 and 9.1 percent in rural and urban areas, respectively. On the external front, notwithstanding some encouraging moderation in the current account deficit during April, the Rupee depreciated further due both to domestic uncertainty as well as recent strengthening of the US dollar in international markets following tightening by the Federal Reserve.”

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record high at Rs201.41 despite monetary tightening

    The present government inherited with serious economic challenges including falling foreign exchange reserves and ballooning current account deficit. The PML-N led coalition government is negotiating with the IMF for bailout package amid these economic crisis.

    Last week the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits fresh high at Rs200.93 as rupee free-fall continues

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $16.161 billion by the week ended May 13, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves of the country were $16.373 billion by week ended May 6, 2022.

    The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by the week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.067 billion.

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $146 million to $10.163 billion by the week ended May 13, 2022 as compared with $10.309 billion a week ago.

    READ MORE: Dollar touches new peak at Rs200.14

    The SBP reserves reached a record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by around $10 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1.50 months.

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s oil bill was $14.81 billion during the first nine months (July – March) 2021/2022 as compared with $7.55 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

  • Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    Dollar continues record-breaking journey to reach Rs201.92

    KARACHI: The US dollar continued its journey to make new highs on Wednesday and reached to historic high of Rs201.92 against the Pakistan Rupee (PKR) in interbank foreign exchange market.

    The exchange rate recorded a dip of 51 paisas in rupee value to end at Rs201.92 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs201.41 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    Currency experts said that foreign exchange market was under pressure due to deepening in political uncertainties.

    The former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek I Insaaf (PTI) today (May 25, 2022) launched its long march and sit-in demanding the present PML-N led government to resign and announce fresh elections.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record high at Rs201.41 despite monetary tightening

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan on April 10, 2022 was removed from the post of the prime minister through a no-confidence motion. However, Khan claimed that it was result of a conspiracy hatched by local handlers on the behest of administration in the US.

    Since the removal of Imran Khan, the rupee fell by around Rs17.24 or 9.33 per cent from Rs184.68 on closing of April 08, 2022 to the current level of Rs201.92 against the dollar.

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on May 23, 2022 announced a sharp increase in policy rate by 150 basis points to 13.75 per cent from 12.25 per cent, considering the weak economic indicators.

    The SBP hiked the rate with arguments that after contracting by 0.9 percent in FY20 in the wake of Covid, the economy has rebounded much more strongly than anticipated, growing by 5.7 percent last year and accelerating to 5.97 percent this year, as per provisional estimates.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits fresh high at Rs200.93 as rupee free-fall continues

    “At 13.4 percent (y/y), headline inflation unexpectedly rose to a two-year high in April and has now been in double digits for six consecutive months. Inflation momentum was also elevated, at 1.6 percent (m/m), and core inflation rose further to 10.9 and 9.1 percent in rural and urban areas, respectively. On the external front, notwithstanding some encouraging moderation in the current account deficit during April, the Rupee depreciated further due both to domestic uncertainty as well as recent strengthening of the US dollar in international markets following tightening by the Federal Reserve.”

    The present government inherited with serious economic challenges including falling foreign exchange reserves and ballooning current account deficit. The PML-N led coalition government is negotiating with the IMF for bailout package amid these economic crisis.

    Last week the government announced to impose a complete ban on imports to support balance of payment and help rupee to stable. However, these measures appeared in failure as the exchange rate yet again deteriorated today massively.

    READ MORE: Dollar touches new peak at Rs200.14

    Currency experts said that massive fall in foreign exchange reserves and high import payments were the major reasons behind rupee fall.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $16.161 billion by the week ended May 13, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves of the country were $16.373 billion by week ended May 6, 2022.

    The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit record high at $27.228 billion by the week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have depleted by $11.067 billion.

    The official reserves of the State Bank witnessed a decline of $146 million to $10.163 billion by the week ended May 13, 2022 as compared with $10.309 billion a week ago.

    READ MORE: Dollar hits record Rs200 at interbank trading

    The SBP reserves reached a record high at $20.145 billion by August 27, 2021. The official reserves also fell by around $10 billion after reaching record high. The official reserves of the SBP have been reduced to provide import payment cover for only 1.50 months.

    The import bill of the country surged by 46.41 per cent to $65.49 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year as compared with $44.73 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products to meet its domestic demand. The country’s oil bill was $14.81 billion during the first nine months (July – March) 2021/2022 as compared with $7.55 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing a massive growth of 96 per cent. The oil bill is around 25 per cent of the total import bill of the country.

    READ MORE: Dollar makes new high Rs198.39 at interbank closing