Dollar and Other Currency Rates in Pakistan Today- May 20, 2026
- By Fahad Ali -
- May 20, 2026
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ResizeKarachi, May 20, 2026 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued its latest Mark-to-Market (M2M) exchange rates for authorized dealers, presenting fresh reference rates for foreign currency transactions against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Below is a detailed overview of today’s vital currency rates for traders, importers, exporters, and remittance senders.
US Dollar (USD) at PKR 278.56
The US Dollar, Pakistan’s most heavily traded foreign currency, is recorded at PKR 278.56 (ready rate) for same-day settlements in today’s SBP announcement. The greenback displays moderate forward premiums across various tenors, with the 1-year rate estimated at PKR 292.46, indicating prudent market expectations of rupee depreciation in the months ahead. The USD/PKR rate continues to serve as the fundamental benchmark for international trade, remittance receipts, and foreign debt obligations.
What this means for you: For every $100, you’ll require PKR 27,856 for same-day transactions. This rate impacts everything from imported electronics and fuel costs to overseas education and healthcare expenses.
British Pound (GBP) Trades at PKR 372.78
Sterling maintains a substantial premium against the rupee, with the British Pound quoted at PKR 372.78 for ready transactions. The GBP/PKR pair demonstrates consistent upward momentum in forward markets, reaching PKR 390.20 for 1-year contracts. Remittances destined for the UK and bilateral trade activities remain highly sensitive to this rate, especially for Pakistani expatriates and importers of British merchandise and services.
Quick conversion: £100 equals approximately PKR 37,278 at today’s ready rate—helpful for planning tuition fees or family remittances.
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) Leads at PKR 907.95
The Kuwaiti Dinar continues as the highest-valued currency against the PKR in today’s report, trading at PKR 907.95 on a ready basis. As a vital currency for Pakistani workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, the KWD/PKR rate directly affects remittance inflows from Kuwait. Forward rates suggest gradual appreciation expectations, with the 1-year rate at PKR 960.83, indicating sustained demand for Gulf currencies.
Remittance insight: Every 1,000 KWD remitted home equals approximately PKR 907,950 for Pakistani households—making well-timed transfers essential for maximizing value.
Qatari Riyal (QAR) at PKR 76.41
The Qatari Riyal is quoted at PKR 76.41 for same-day settlements. With a substantial Pakistani workforce in Qatar’s energy, construction, and services sectors, this rate is closely monitored for remittance calculations and cross-border commerce. The QAR exhibits stable forward pricing, with the 12-month rate at PKR 79.40, reflecting contained volatility expectations in the Gulf currency basket.
Bahraini Dinar (BHD) Firm at PKR 738.69
The Bahraini Dinar remains robust at PKR 738.69 in ready transactions. As another essential Gulf currency for Pakistani expatriates, the BHD/PKR rate impacts cross-border money transfers and trade settlements with Bahrain. Forward curves suggest measured appreciation, with the 1-year rate projected at PKR 769.27, consistent with broader regional currency trends.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) at PKR 202.31
The Canadian Dollar is trading at PKR 202.31 for ready value. With expanding educational, immigration, and commercial ties between Pakistan and Canada, the CAD/PKR rate is increasingly significant for students, families, and SMEs involved in cross-border commerce. Forward rates indicate moderate upward pressure, with the 1-year contract at PKR 215.27.
Student alert: Canadian tuition fees of CAD 20,000 would require approximately PKR 4.05 million at current rates—plan your foreign exchange requirements accordingly.
Other Currencies in Focus
Beyond the priority currencies, numerous other major and regional currencies are actively quoted in Pakistan’s foreign exchange market today. The Euro (EUR) stands at PKR 322.79, while the Japanese Yen (JPY) is at PKR 1.75. Gulf currencies include the UAE Dirham (AED) at PKR 75.85, Saudi Riyal (SAR) at PKR 74.23, and Omani Rial (OMR) at PKR 723.52. Asian counterparts feature the Chinese Yuan (CNY) at PKR 40.86, Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) at PKR 70.13, Indian Rupee (INR) at PKR 2.87, Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) at PKR 0.82, and Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) at PKR 2.26. Other notable rates include the Australian Dollar (AUD) at PKR 198.00, Swiss Franc (CHF) at PKR 352.38, Singapore Dollar (SGD) at PKR 217.42, New Zealand Dollar (NZD) at PKR 162.55, and South African Rand (ZAR) at PKR 16.70. European currencies include the Swedish Krona (SEK) at PKR 29.97, Norwegian Krone (NOK) at PKR 30.07, and Danish Krone (DKK) at PKR 43.19. Emerging market currencies show the Brazilian Real (BRL) at PKR 55.18, Turkish Lira (TRY) at PKR 6.10, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) at PKR 0.015, Mexican Peso (MXN) at PKR 16.01, Russian Ruble (RUB) at PKR 3.90, South Korean Won (KRW) at PKR 0.18, and Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) at PKR 0.59. The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is quoted at PKR 35.56, while the Thai Baht (THB) trades at PKR 8.51. The Argentine Peso (ARS) shows limited forward liquidity with a ready rate of PKR 0.19.
Mid-Week Market Analysis: May 13, 2026
Comparing May 13 with May 12, 2026 (previous business day):
- USD/PKR: Marginal depreciation to 278.56 (vs 278.66) – rupee gaining slight strength
- GBP/PKR: Notable decline to 372.78 (vs 376.46) – sterling showing significant weakness
- KWD/PKR: Decreased to 907.95 (vs 909.92) – Gulf currencies consolidating
- EUR/PKR: Trading at 322.79, down from 327.26 – euro losing ground
- CAD/PKR: Decreased to 202.31 (vs 203.30) – Canadian dollar showing softness
Week-to-Date Performance (May 11-13, 2026):
- USD/PKR: Remained exceptionally stable in the 278.50-278.70 range
- GBP/PKR: Showed volatility, declining from 379+ to 372 PKR over two days
- KWD/PKR: Held steady around 908-910 PKR level
The Pakistani Rupee demonstrated continued resilience mid-May 2026, extending the pattern of stability observed since late April. The USD/PKR pair has exhibited notable steadiness, hovering around the 278.60 level for over two weeks. However, European currencies like the British Pound and Euro showed significant weakness today against the PKR. This stability in the USD/PKR reflects balanced interbank liquidity, consistent remittance inflows from overseas Pakistanis, and effective monetary policy management by the State Bank of Pakistan. Market participants are now monitoring upcoming SBP monetary policy decisions, global oil price trends, and international economic developments as we progress through the second quarter of 2026.