The Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gain against the US dollar for another week, appreciating 0.03% in the inter-bank market to close at 276.82, up Re0.09 from 276.91 a week earlier, according to State Bank of Pakistan data. In the open market, the rupee slipped slightly, closing at 277.57 for buying and 278.71 for selling.
Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank rose by $19 million on a weekly basis to $21.49 billion as of 16 October 2026. The country’s total liquid foreign reserves stood at $26.83 billion, including $5.34 billion held by commercial banks.
The International Monetary Fund warned in its latest report of rising inflationary pressures in Pakistan amid the Middle East conflict, saying the country might need tighter monetary policy if the regional crisis persisted and price risks intensified. For households, a broadly steady rupee helps limit imported inflation, but reserves still leave little room for complacency.
Sources: Business Recorder, State Bank of Pakistan data. Written in our own words for information only.