Karachi, January 30, 2026 – The Pakistani rupee strengthened slightly against the US dollar on Friday, appreciating by 3 paisa in the interbank foreign exchange market amid improved foreign currency inflows.
According to figures issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the US dollar closed at Rs279.77 in the interbank market, compared to the previous day’s closing of Rs279.80. Currency dealers attributed the marginal recovery in the local unit to higher remittances and better export-related inflows.
Market participants noted that overseas Pakistanis traditionally increase remittances ahead of the holy month of Ramazan to support their families, which provides temporary relief to the foreign exchange market. In addition, export proceeds received during the period helped stabilize demand and supply dynamics, lending support to the rupee.
Analysts further pointed out that a gradual improvement in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves also played a role in boosting market sentiment. A healthier reserve position often enhances confidence in the domestic currency and reduces short-term volatility.
A day earlier, the SBP released updated data on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, showing a modest week-on-week increase, as detailed below:
| Forex Reserves | January 23, 2026 | January 16, 2026 | Change |
| Total Reserves | $21,293 million | $21,258 million | +$35 million |
| SBP Reserves | $16,101 million | $16,088 million | +$13 million |
| Commercial Banks | $5,192 million | $5,170 million | +$22 million |
Currency experts believe that sustained inflows and prudent external account management will be key to maintaining stability in the rupee-dollar parity in the coming weeks.