The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released the latest Mark-to-Market (M2M) currency rates for August 18, 2025. These rates are crucial for businesses, traders, and individuals involved in Pakistan’s financial market.
The rates are calculated using data from brokerage houses and the Reuters Eikon Terminal. They reflect the weighted average of interbank closing rates for major currencies, including the US Dollar (USD), Saudi Riyal (SAR), UAE Dirham (AED), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), and Qatari Riyal (QAR).
Key Currency Rates in Pakistan Today
- US Dollar (USD): The ready rate is PKR 282.018, slightly down from PKR 282.062 on August 15. One-month and six-month forward rates also show minor declines.
- Saudi Riyal (SAR): Ready rate at PKR 75.1607, a small drop from August 15. This may ease remittance and travel costs slightly.
- UAE Dirham (AED): Ready rate is PKR 76.7814, marginally lower than before, benefiting trade and expatriate transactions.
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD): At PKR 923.0451, down from PKR 923.3408, affecting high-value transactions.
- Canadian Dollar (CAD): Now at PKR 204.3534, slightly reduced, impacting trade and Pakistani communities in Canada.
- Qatari Riyal (QAR): Ready rate PKR 77.3861, showing minimal change, useful for Pakistanis working in Qatar.
Other currencies, such as the Euro (EUR), British Pound (GBP), Swiss Franc (CHF), Australian Dollar (AUD), and Singapore Dollar (SGD), also show small decreases compared to August 15.
Analysis and Implications
The overall decline in major currency rates indicates a short-term strengthening of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). This can lower costs for imports, travel, and remittances. Open market rates, such as the USD quoted at PKR 283.91 on X, remain slightly above SBP rates. Forward rates for six months to one year suggest market expectations of potential PKR weakening in the medium term.
These M2M rates are critical for authorized dealers, influencing financial reporting, trade pricing, and investment decisions. For individuals, the shifts affect remittances, overseas education, and travel expenses.
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