The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released its official money-market exchange rates for Friday, May 15, 2026, providing the benchmark for banks, currency dealers, and remittance operators across the country. The US dollar to Pakistani rupee rate stood at Rs 278.61 on the interbank market, a slight increase from Rs 278.32 a week earlier, signaling that the rupee may have found a temporary floor near the Rs 278 level. Forward rates indicate a steady depreciation outlook, with one-month forward at Rs 280.52 and one-year forward at Rs 291.77.
The British pound declined sharply to Rs 372.93, down from Rs 376.09 on May 6, reflecting broader sterling weakness overseas rather than local factors. For UK-based Pakistani workers and students, this means fewer rupees per pound compared to last week. The euro fell to Rs 324.25, giving back recent gains, as the single currency faced renewed global selling pressure. Pakistani exporters billing in euros will see lower rupee proceeds, while importers of European goods benefit from relatively more affordable rates.
Among Gulf currencies, the Kuwaiti dinar remained the strongest, trading at Rs 909.45, marginally lower from Rs 911.71 a week ago but still offering generous rates for the large Pakistani community in Kuwait. The Omani riyal held steady at Rs 723.64. For a full list of rates, visit the Reuters currency page or the BBC Market Data.
Currency traders and importers are closely monitoring upcoming economic data, including current account figures and SBP reserves, for potential triggers that could break the current consolidation phase in the dollar-rupee rate. For additional context on Pakistan’s exchange rate policy, see Wikipedia’s page on the Pakistani rupee.
Source: ARY News