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🇵🇰
SBP · Currency Hub

Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Pakistan's primary currency. USD 27B+ in annual remittances support the PKR.

1 PKR =
USD
Live mid-market rate
📅 Updated: 5 Sept 2026
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Remittances (2024)
USD 27B+ annually
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SBP reserves
USD 10-12B (2025)
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IMF programme
USD 7B EFF (2024-27)
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PKR vs USD (3Y)
PKR -52% vs USD
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Pakistan inflation
Falling from 38% peak
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Remittance share
~9-10% of GDP

🇵🇰 About the Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is managed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) under a market-determined exchange rate system introduced under the 2023-24 IMF conditions. Previously, Pakistan maintained an artificially fixed rate that contributed to severe reserve depletion. The shift to a market rate, while painful initially, was a structural requirement for IMF support.

Pakistan experienced one of the most dramatic currency crises in recent emerging market history — the PKR lost over 60% of its value against the USD between 2019 and 2023. The crisis was driven by: unsustainable current account and fiscal deficits, declining forex reserves (briefly below USD 4 billion in early 2023), inflation peaking at 38%, and political instability.

The IMF Extended Fund Facility (USD 7 billion, 2024-2027) has been the primary stabiliser for PKR. Under the programme, Pakistan committed to: maintaining a market-determined exchange rate, fiscal consolidation (primary surplus), energy sector reforms, and SOE privatisation. Quarterly IMF reviews are the key catalysts for PKR direction.

Remittances are Pakistan's economic lifeline — USD 27+ billion annually, representing approximately 9-10% of GDP. Saudi Arabia (35%), UAE (24%), UK (10%), USA (8%), and Qatar (8%) are the top sources. These inflows provide the primary source of USD supply for Pakistan's economy and are the most important structural support for the PKR.

Issued By
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
Rate Policy
Market-determined float (post-2023 IMF reforms)
Historical High
~60 vs USD (2017)
Historical Low
~307 vs USD (2023)

💱 Convert PKR To Other Currencies

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⚙️ What Drives the Pakistani Rupee?

Key economic factors that move the PKR exchange rate — monitored by traders, investors and expats.

IMF Programme Compliance
IMF tranche approved → PKR +2-5%. Missed milestones → PKR depreciation.
SBP Foreign Exchange Reserves
Rising reserves → PKR confidence. Below USD 3B → crisis territory.
Pakistan Current Account Deficit
Wider deficit → USD demand → PKR falls. Remittances partially offset this.
Inflation (CPI/SPI)
High inflation erodes PKR purchasing power. SBP targets 5-7% long-term.
Remittance Inflows
USD 27B+ annually is primary USD supply. Eid/Ramadan spikes boost PKR.
Political Stability
Political uncertainty → capital flight → PKR pressure. Elections impact sentiment.

📊 PKR Exchange Rate Forecasts

📰 PKR Currency Articles & Analysis

📊 Popular PKR Forecasts

Most-read PKR exchange rate outlooks — updated regularly

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🕒 Recently Updated — PKR Pages

Converter pages with latest market data and analysis

✈️ Travel Tips — PKR

In Pakistan, cash (PKR) is still dominant, especially outside major cities. ATMs are available in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other major cities. Currency exchange at Saddar market (Karachi) or Anarkali (Lahore) offers near-open-market rates. Keep some USD/AED/GBP for flexibility — widely accepted in exchange markets.

💸 Remittance Tips — PKR

For PKR remittances, ACE Money Transfer specialises in the Pakistan corridor and often offers the best rates. Wise is competitive with full transparency. Western Union and MoneyGram are widely accessible in Pakistan but have higher margins. Always check: (1) the exchange rate offered vs current interbank rate; (2) total transfer fees. Small differences in rate add up on large amounts.

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PKR — Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Pakistani Rupee collapse?
The PKR collapse (2019-2023) was driven by: (1) Balance-of-payments crisis — imports far exceeding exports; (2) Political instability — 3 prime ministers in 4 years; (3) Energy sector debt crises and power cuts; (4) Near-depletion of SBP reserves (below USD 4B in Feb 2023); (5) Delayed IMF programme. The 2023 IMF deal and subsequent stabilisation halted the free-fall.
What is the open market rate vs interbank rate for PKR?
Pakistan has two PKR rates: (1) Interbank rate — the official SBP-regulated rate used by banks and most online services; (2) Open market/kerb rate — typically 0.5-2% higher in PKR per USD. Kerb market rates are quoted by exchange companies and street money changers. Under IMF conditions, the spread between the two rates has narrowed significantly from 2022 highs of 10%+.
Can PKR recover against the Dollar?
A significant PKR recovery requires: successful completion of the IMF programme (2027), sustained fiscal surpluses, reserve build-up above USD 20B, and reduction in structural trade deficit. Short-term recovery of 5-10% is possible if IMF milestones are met consistently, but a return to pre-2019 levels (USD/PKR below 160) is unlikely without fundamental structural reforms.
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