On May 12, 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officially released the latest foreign exchange rates applicable for customer transactions. These rates, calculated based on the weighted average rates of commercial banks, serve as critical benchmarks for businesses, investors, and individuals engaged in international trade, remittances, and foreign currency dealings.
The daily publication of customer forex rates by the SBP is more than a procedural update—it plays a pivotal role in shaping cross-border economic activity. These exchange rates are essential references for banks and financial institutions across the country, helping ensure a transparent and uniform approach to foreign currency transactions.
According to the SBP, the buying and selling rates for major international currencies against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) on May 12, 2025, are as follows:
Currency – Buying Rate (PKR) – Selling Rate (PKR)
AED (UAE Dirham) – 76.6008 – 76.7104
AUD (Australian Dollar) – 180.9460 – 181.2367
CAD (Canadian Dollar) – 202.0094 – 202.3220
CHF (Swiss Franc) – 337.0877 – 337.6251
CNY (Chinese Yuan) – 38.9542 – 39.0046
EUR (Euro) – 315.7109 – 316.1880
GBP (British Pound) – 373.6700 – 374.2537
JPY (Japanese Yen) – 1.9266 – 1.9296
SAR (Saudi Riyal) – 75.0130 – 75.1228
USD (US Dollar) – 281.3471 – 281.7789
These figures offer a real-time snapshot of the foreign currency market and reflect prevailing demand, global economic trends, and regional monetary developments. Given the fluid nature of forex markets, rates may shift throughout the day in response to global events, market sentiment, and macroeconomic indicators.
The SBP’s systematic and transparent publication of these exchange rates enhances market predictability and investor confidence. In a highly connected global economy, such measures support smoother trade facilitation, accurate pricing of imports and exports, and more reliable foreign remittance planning.
Businesses involved in import-export, logistics, international procurement, and offshore investments rely heavily on the accuracy of these rates to plan operational costs and hedge currency exposure. Similarly, individuals—especially overseas Pakistanis sending remittances—benefit from the clarity and fairness these SBP-issued rates bring to the financial system.
Furthermore, by maintaining consistency in foreign exchange disclosures, the SBP strengthens its role as a guardian of economic stability. This commitment to openness allows market participants to make well-informed decisions regarding forex reserves, investment strategies, and currency risk management.
It is important to note that while these official rates guide commercial banks, actual transaction rates may vary slightly depending on bank policies, service fees, and market conditions. Users are advised to verify with their financial institutions before executing significant forex transactions.
The SBP’s daily forex updates underscore its broader role in facilitating monetary policy implementation, market stabilization, and economic governance. As Pakistan continues to navigate global financial currents—from rising inflation to currency volatility—the central bank’s proactive approach to publishing exchange data is instrumental in preserving economic resilience and promoting confidence among foreign and domestic stakeholders alike.
In conclusion, the release of the May 12, 2025, exchange rates reaffirms the SBP’s dedication to financial transparency and its strategic role in underpinning the country’s macroeconomic and trade infrastructure. As foreign exchange continues to influence every layer of the financial system, the SBP’s data-driven approach remains essential in helping Pakistan adapt and thrive in an evolving global economy.