Karachi, February 24, 2026 – The Pakistani rupee (PKR) strengthened to Rs279.52 against the US dollar at the close of Tuesday’s interbank foreign exchange market, reflecting growing market confidence and improved foreign currency inflows.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee gained three paisa compared to the previous day’s closing of Rs279.55, continuing a modest appreciation trend. Analysts attributed the strengthening to increased supply of US dollars from improved export receipts and workers’ remittances, which helped stabilize the currency in the interbank market.
Market participants noted that importers remained cautious, delaying new orders to foreign suppliers as the dollar gradually declined in value, while exporters actively converted their export proceeds to take advantage of favorable exchange rates. This balanced demand and supply dynamic contributed to the rupee’s gradual appreciation.
Economists said that currency stability is positive for Pakistan, supporting investor confidence and reducing inflationary pressures on imported goods. However, they cautioned that as economic activity picks up, import payments are likely to rise, particularly for industries requiring raw materials for both local consumption and exports, which could place renewed pressure on the dollar demand.
Despite these potential challenges, the current stability in PKR value provides relief to businesses and consumers, signaling cautious optimism in the foreign exchange market. Experts recommend continued monitoring of market trends and judicious planning of imports and export conversions to benefit from the current exchange rate environment.
