Karachi, February 18, 2026 – The Pakistani rupee gained strength on Wednesday, closing at Rs279.57 against the US dollar, supported by strong foreign inflows and improving macroeconomic indicators. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee appreciated by 3 paisas from the previous day’s interbank closing of Rs279.60.
Currency analysts attributed the modest gain to enhanced foreign remittances and the country’s current account surplus in January 2026. The inflows were largely driven by overseas Pakistanis sending money home ahead of Ramazan, providing stability to the local currency.
Additionally, exporters contributed to the rupee’s strength by selling their dollar holdings in the interbank market, taking advantage of favorable exchange rates while hedging against potential future depreciation of the greenback. Analysts also noted that improved foreign inflows have strengthened market confidence, reducing volatility in the foreign exchange market.
Economists cautioned that while the rupee’s short-term performance remains positive, sustained foreign inflows are essential to maintain stability. With the economy showing signs of recovery and increasing demand for imported goods, consistent inflows will be critical to prevent pressure on the dollar in the coming weeks.
The SBP continues to monitor market dynamics closely, providing interbank forex rates for commercial transactions and offering guidance to financial institutions and businesses.
PKR vs USD – Key Interbank Rate
| Currency Pair | Closing Rate (PKR) | Change |
| PKR/USD | 279.57 | +0.03 |
Investors and importers are advised to keep track of currency movements as remittances and export activity play a central role in the rupee’s performance.