On May 22, 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) published the official foreign exchange rates for customers, offering a standardized benchmark for cross-border financial transactions. These rates, calculated based on the weighted averages of commercial banks, are essential for individuals, businesses, and institutions involved in international trade and finance. They provide much more than just currency conversion—they establish transparency and reliability in the foreign exchange ecosystem, facilitating informed decision-making and promoting economic stability.
The SBP’s foreign exchange rates serve as a trusted reference point in Pakistan’s financial system. By offering daily updates based on actual market dynamics, the central bank supports a structured and consistent approach to foreign exchange. These rates are especially crucial for businesses dealing in imports, exports, or foreign remittances, as they allow for the planning and execution of transactions with clear expectations about cost and value. For individual customers, they help ensure fair and consistent currency exchange when sending money abroad, paying for international services, or receiving funds from overseas.
As per the SBP’s official announcement, the buying and selling rates of major international currencies against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) on May 22, 2025, were as follows. The US Dollar was buying at 281.8515 and selling at 282.2834. The Euro was listed at a buying rate of 319.3274 and a selling rate of 319.8209. The British Pound was buying at 378.3549 and selling at 378.9413. The UAE Dirham stood at 76.7857 for buying and 76.8957 for selling. The Saudi Riyal had a buying rate of 75.1437 and a selling rate of 75.2548. Other notable currencies included the Australian Dollar at 181.6575 for buying and 181.9407 for selling, the Canadian Dollar at 203.4669 and 203.7756 respectively, the Swiss Franc at 341.6508 and 342.1889, the Chinese Yuan at 39.1466 and 39.1970, and the Japanese Yen at 1.9668 for buying and 1.9697 for selling.
Foreign exchange rates remain subject to frequent market-driven changes. The SBP emphasizes the importance of staying updated with real-time figures, especially for those executing high-volume or time-sensitive transactions. To ensure precision and avoid potential discrepancies, users are encouraged to verify the latest rates with their respective financial institutions or consult the SBP’s official portal.
Beyond their operational utility, the SBP’s daily release of forex rates plays a strategic role in maintaining market equilibrium. These rates assist commercial banks in setting customer-level exchange rates and contribute to shaping the broader financial landscape. They reflect the prevailing economic conditions, capturing global currency trends and Pakistan’s positioning in the international monetary system.
The SBP’s commitment to publishing these rates underscores its role in fostering trust, stability, and efficiency in Pakistan’s economy. By promoting transparency and offering clear pricing benchmarks, the central bank supports the broader goal of financial discipline and international economic integration. In an increasingly globalized world, where trade and capital flows are interlinked, such efforts are vital in reinforcing investor confidence and ensuring smooth financial operations across borders.