The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s central banking authority, released the official customer foreign exchange rates on Thursday, providing critical benchmarks for individuals and businesses engaged in cross-border financial transactions. These rates, derived from the weighted averages reported by commercial banks, are pivotal in determining the buying and selling values of major global currencies against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
The SBP’s daily foreign exchange rate bulletin is more than just a pricing guide — it plays a fundamental role in Pakistan’s financial and economic framework. By offering a standardized reference for foreign exchange conversions, these rates help streamline international trade, foreign remittances, overseas investments, and payments for services rendered across borders. Market participants across the public and private sectors closely follow these figures to make informed financial decisions.
As of April 24, 2025, the SBP reported the following customer rates for key currencies:
- US Dollar (USD): Buying at PKR 280.8561, Selling at PKR 281.2880
- Euro (EUR): Buying at PKR 318.6968, Selling at PKR 319.1812
- British Pound (GBP): Buying at PKR 372.8074, Selling at PKR 373.3987
- Chinese Yuan (CNY): Buying at PKR 38.4944, Selling at PKR 38.5446
- Japanese Yen (JPY): Buying at PKR 1.9671, Selling at PKR 1.9701
- Swiss Franc (CHF): Buying at PKR 339.1675, Selling at PKR 339.7084
- Canadian Dollar (CAD): Buying at PKR 202.5606, Selling at PKR 202.8715
- Australian Dollar (AUD): Buying at PKR 178.6327, Selling at PKR 178.9148
- UAE Dirham (AED): Buying at PKR 76.4689, Selling at PKR 76.5779
- Saudi Riyal (SAR): Buying at PKR 74.8734, Selling at PKR 74.9845
These figures, although appearing modest in variation, can have substantial implications for large-scale transactions such as trade settlements, treasury operations, and multinational business payments. Given the sensitivity of foreign exchange rates to global market conditions, including interest rate changes, inflation expectations, and geopolitical developments, the SBP’s timely rate announcements contribute significantly to market transparency and stability.
The exchange rates also act as a barometer of Pakistan’s economic engagement with the global financial ecosystem. For instance, a strengthening rupee can indicate increased foreign inflows or improved trade balances, while a depreciating trend might reflect capital outflows or economic stress. The SBP’s daily disclosures thus help not only in executing foreign currency transactions but also in economic forecasting and policy planning.
Additionally, the SBP advises stakeholders to stay updated with the latest rates due to the dynamic nature of currency markets. Foreign exchange values can shift within hours due to domestic or international developments, and as such, real-time verification through commercial banks or the SBP’s official platform is recommended.
In an era where digital banking and fintech platforms are rapidly evolving, SBP’s role in providing accurate and authoritative FX rates ensures that both traditional banks and emerging digital finance players operate within a coherent monetary framework.
By consistently publishing these rates, the SBP reinforces its mandate of monetary stability and financial discipline, making it a cornerstone institution for Pakistan’s economic resilience and integration into the global economy.