Moaaz Manzoor

The Pakistani rupee maintained a steady momentum through the previous week, supported by consistent remittance inflows and a gradual rise in foreign exchange reserves that kept the local currency broadly stable against major global counterparts. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee traded within a narrow band against the US dollar between October 13 and 17, 2025. On October 13, the greenback was quoted at Rs280.9545 (buying) and Rs281.3863 (selling).

It eased slightly to Rs280.9425 and Rs281.3744 on October 14, before slipping to Rs280.8932 and Rs281.3251 on October 15. The local currency then firmed marginally, closing at Rs280.8877 and Rs281.3196 on October 16, and at Rs280.8783 and Rs281.3102 by the week’s end — reflecting remarkable stability in the interbank market.

Among major currencies, the British pound showed mixed movement, beginning at Rs375.1030 and Rs375.6889 on October 13, dipping to Rs373.8380 and Rs374.4283 on October 14, and then recovering to Rs375.0928 and Rs375.6840 on October 15. The pound extended its upward trend to Rs376.5506 and Rs377.1460 on October 16 and closed higher at Rs377.7685 and Rs378.3600 on October 17.

The euro also recorded mild gains, moving from Rs326.3904 and Rs326.8956 on October 13 to Rs325.1227 and Rs325.6437 on October 14, before strengthening through the remaining sessions to end the week at Rs328.9155 (buying) and Rs329.4281 (selling).

The Chinese yuan and Saudi riyal both traded in narrow ranges, reflecting continued currency stability. The yuan hovered between Rs39.4251 and Rs39.4765 on October 13 and Rs39.4171 and Rs39.4690 on October 17. The riyal moved marginally from Rs74.9091 and Rs75.0213 on October 13 to Rs74.8948 and Rs75.0070 on October 17. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen appreciated modestly from Rs1.8491 and Rs1.8519 on October 13 to Rs1.8744 and Rs1.8771 by week’s close.

According to data from Arif Habib Limited, Pakistan’s SBP reserves rose to USD14.44 billion, up by USD20.7 million week-on-week. The PKR closed the week unchanged at 281.10 per USD, maintaining stability on a weekly basis. Analysts at AKD Securities noted that the rupee appreciated slightly by 0.03 percent against the greenback, citing strong remittance inflows, improving reserves, and subdued import-driven dollar demand as key factors underpinning the currency’s resilience.

They added that steady inflows and a contained current account deficit continue to anchor market confidence, keeping the rupee’s outlook on a firm footing in the short term.

Credit: INP-WealthPk