The dollar rate in Pakistan today (26 March 2026) stands at Rs. 280.30 (open market selling) and Rs. 279.25 (interbank buying) , confirmed by the Forex Association of Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and multiple live exchange portals. The Pakistani rupee is maintaining extraordinary stability against the US dollar, trading within a razor-thin 52-week range of Rs. 278.72 to Rs. 286.25 , a spread of barely Rs. 7.53 over an entire year.
This remarkable calm is powered by surging Ramadan remittances, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves standing at a healthy $19.59 billion, and continued IMF programme compliance. Whether you are a freelancer on Upwork, an importer clearing goods, an overseas Pakistani sending money home, or a traveller planning a trip , this live guide gives you every rate, every tool, and every insight you need right now.
Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today – 26 March 2026 (All Markets)
| Market | Buying Rate (PKR) | Selling Rate (PKR) |
| Open Market | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 |
| Interbank (SBP) | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 279.95 |
| Mid-Market Rate | , | Rs. 279.25 |
| Today’s Trading Range | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 279.25 |
| Opening Price Today | Rs. 279.25 | , |
| Previous Close | Rs. 279.25 | , |
| 52-Week Low | , | Rs. 278.72 |
| 52-Week High | , | Rs. 286.25 |
| 1-Year Change | , | -0.220% |
Over the past year, USD/PKR has changed by -0.220%, trading within a 52-week range of 278.721 to 286.250. Sources: Investing.com, HamariWeb, forex.pk, SBP , verified 26 March 2026.
Open Market Dollar Rate – Today vs This Week
The US Dollar is trading at a buying rate of 279.25 and selling rate of 280.30, showing continued demand in the local economy. Here is how the dollar has moved this week:
| Date | Open Market Buy | Open Market Sell | Interbank | Change |
| 26 March 2026 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.95 | Stable |
| 25 March 2026 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.20 | Rs. 279.25 | ▲ Re. 0.05 |
| 24 March 2026 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.65 | Stable |
| 21 March 2026 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.95 | Stable |
| 17 March 2026 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 279.50 | Stable |
| 13 March 2026 | Rs. 279.10 | Rs. 280.40 | Rs. 279.75 | ▼ Re. 0.10 |
| 52-Week Low | , | Rs. 278.72 | , | , |
| 52-Week High | , | Rs. 286.25 | , | , |
Key insight: The dollar rate has barely moved in the past two weeks , the open market has stayed between Rs. 280.20 and Rs. 280.40. This is one of the most stable USD/PKR periods in recent years.
Open Market vs Interbank Dollar Rate – The Difference Explained
The biggest confusion for anyone trying to convert currency is why the rate you see on a news ticker is never the rate you actually get at the money changer. It comes down to two markets.
| Feature | Interbank Rate | Open Market Rate |
| Set By | State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) | Forex Association of Pakistan |
| Who Uses It | Banks, government, large institutions | General public, exchange companies |
| Transaction Size | Large , imports, exports, government payments | Small , travel, remittance, personal use |
| Rate Level | Lower , official benchmark | Higher , includes dealer margin |
| Access | Commercial bank branches only | 1,000+ licensed exchange companies nationwide |
| Today’s Rate | Rs. 279.95 (sell) | Rs. 280.30 (sell) |
| Spread Today | , | Rs. 0.35 , tight, indicating stability |
A wide gap means uncertainty; a tight gap means the market is stable. Today’s Rs. 0.35 spread between interbank and open market is one of the tightest in the past 12 months , a strong signal of PKR confidence.
All Major Currency Rates in Pakistan – 26 March 2026
Euro stands at 319.98 (buying) and 324.05 (selling), while UK Pound remains highest among the major currencies at 370.36 for buying and 374.25 for selling. UAE Dirham and Saudi Riyal are also showing steady trends, with Dirham priced at 75.55 (buying) and 76.90 (selling), and Riyal at 73.80 (buying) and 74.75 (selling).
| Currency | Flag | Country | Buying (PKR) | Selling (PKR) |
| US Dollar (USD) | 🇺🇸 | USA | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 |
| Euro (EUR) | 🇪🇺 | Eurozone | Rs. 319.98 | Rs. 327.85 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 🇬🇧 | UK | Rs. 370.36 | Rs. 378.25 |
| UAE Dirham (AED) | 🇦🇪 | UAE | Rs. 75.55 | Rs. 77.10 |
| Saudi Riyal (SAR) | 🇸🇦 | Saudi Arabia | Rs. 73.80 | Rs. 75.20 |
| Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) | 🇰🇼 | Kuwait | Rs. 903.00 | Rs. 912.00 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 🇨🇦 | Canada | Rs. 194.50 | Rs. 196.00 |
| Australian Dollar (AUD) | 🇦🇺 | Australia | Rs. 176.00 | Rs. 197.00 |
| Qatari Riyal (QAR) | 🇶🇦 | Qatar | Rs. 76.50 | Rs. 77.20 |
| Omani Riyal (OMR) | 🇴🇲 | Oman | Rs. 723.00 | Rs. 730.00 |
| Bahraini Dinar (BHD) | 🇧🇭 | Bahrain | Rs. 740.00 | Rs. 748.00 |
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | 🇨🇳 | China | Rs. 38.20 | Rs. 38.80 |
| Swiss Franc (CHF) | 🇨🇭 | Switzerland | Rs. 314.50 | Rs. 318.00 |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | 🇯🇵 | Japan | Rs. 1.85 | Rs. 1.92 |
Higher-value Gulf currencies like the Kuwaiti Dinar and Omani Riyal continue to dominate the list in terms of exchange value, while Asian currencies such as the Japanese Yen and Indian Rupee remain comparatively lower.
USD to PKR Quick Conversion Table – 26 March 2026
Use this for instant calculations , freelancers, importers, students, travellers, and families receiving remittances:
| USD Amount | Interbank PKR (Rs. 279.95) | Open Market PKR (Rs. 280.30) | Difference |
| $1 | Rs. 279.95 | Rs. 280.30 | Rs. 0.35 |
| $10 | Rs. 2,799.50 | Rs. 2,803 | Rs. 3.50 |
| $50 | Rs. 13,997.50 | Rs. 14,015 | Rs. 17.50 |
| $100 | Rs. 27,995 | Rs. 28,030 | Rs. 35 |
| $500 | Rs. 139,975 | Rs. 140,150 | Rs. 175 |
| $1,000 | Rs. 279,950 | Rs. 280,300 | Rs. 350 |
| $2,000 | Rs. 559,900 | Rs. 560,600 | Rs. 700 |
| $5,000 | Rs. 1,399,750 | Rs. 1,401,500 | Rs. 1,750 |
Freelancer tip: Earning $500/month on Fiverr or Upwork = Rs. 1.40 lakh/month at today’s rate. The Rs. 175 difference between interbank and open market on $500 is worth comparing before every withdrawal , use the Roshan Digital Account for interbank rates with zero tax on remittances.
Why Is the Dollar Rate So Stable in Pakistan This Eid Week?
Monthly combined injections of more than 1.3 billion by our brothers in Dubai and Riyadh are the granite foundation of our forex reserves, which is now a nutritious $19.59 billion total.
Multiple converging factors are keeping the rupee calm this week:
Factors strengthening PKR (pushing dollar down):
- ✅ Eid remittance surge , overseas Pakistanis in UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, and USA sending extra money for Eid celebrations , Rs. 1.3B+ monthly from Gulf alone
- ✅ $19.59 billion forex reserves , SBP’s strategic buffer prevents panic selling
- ✅ IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) compliance , Pakistan meeting programme conditions, maintaining investor confidence
- ✅ SBP cracking down on black market , SBP’s goal isn’t just a stable rate , it’s making sure money comes through legal channels, cracking down on the black market and offering incentives for digital transfers
- ✅ IT exports rising , IT export earnings reached $2.23 billion in Jul-Dec FY26 (+19.5% YoY), adding consistent foreign currency inflows
Factors keeping mild upward pressure:
- 🔴 High import bill , petrol at Rs. 321.17/litre means Pakistan needs more dollars for energy imports
- 🔴 Iran-US tensions , regional conflict risk creates global safe-haven dollar demand
- 🔴 Trade deficit , Pakistan consistently imports more than it exports, creating structural dollar demand
Dollar Rate History – Pakistan March 2026 Full Month
| Date | Interbank Close | Open Market Sell | Weekly Trend |
| 26 March 2026 | Rs. 279.95 | Rs. 280.30 | ↔ Stable |
| 21 March 2026 | Rs. 279.95 | Rs. 280.30 | ↔ Stable |
| 17 March 2026 | Rs. 279.50 | Rs. 280.30 | ↔ Stable |
| 13 March 2026 | Rs. 279.75 | Rs. 280.40 | ↔ Near-stable |
| 7 March 2026 | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.00 | ↔ Stable |
| 1 March 2026 | Rs. 279.00 | Rs. 279.75 | ↔ Slight gain |
| 16 Feb 2026 | Rs. 279.95 | Rs. 280.45 | ↔ Stable |
| January 2026 | Rs. 280.00 | Rs. 280.50 | ↔ Stable |
| 52-Week Low | Rs. 278.72 | , | ↓ Strongest PKR |
| 52-Week High | Rs. 286.25 | , | ↑ Weakest PKR |
City-Wise Dollar Rate in Pakistan – 26 March 2026
Open market currency rates in Pakistan are determined by local currency dealers based on real-time trading activity. These rates tend to differ slightly against the interbank rates and are more applicable in transactions carried out daily.
| City | USD Buying (PKR) | USD Selling (PKR) |
| Karachi | Rs. 279.25 | Rs. 280.30 |
| Lahore | Rs. 279.20 | Rs. 280.25 |
| Islamabad / Rawalpindi | Rs. 279.30 | Rs. 280.35 |
| Faisalabad | Rs. 279.15 | Rs. 280.20 |
| Multan | Rs. 279.20 | Rs. 280.25 |
| Peshawar | Rs. 279.35 | Rs. 280.40 |
| Quetta | Rs. 279.40 | Rs. 280.45 |
Karachi remains Pakistan’s most liquid forex market , the city’s high volume of money changers, exports, and remittance activity keeps it at the tightest bid-ask spreads nationally.
Best Ways to Get Maximum PKR for Your Dollars in Pakistan
Not all exchange channels are equal. Here is how to maximize your rupee conversion:
| Method | Exchange Rate | Best For | Speed |
| Roshan Digital Account (RDA) | Interbank , best rate available | Overseas Pakistanis , large remittances | 1–2 days |
| Wise (TransferWise) | Mid-market rate, low fees | Tech-savvy users, international transfers | 1–2 days |
| Licensed Exchange Company | Open market Rs. 280.30 | Cash exchange, walk-in | Instant |
| Commercial Bank (TT/SWIFT) | Interbank + small fee | Large business transactions | 2–3 days |
| JazzCash / Easypaisa International | Competitive open market | Wallet-to-wallet, remittances | Hours |
| Western Union / Ria | Slightly below open market | Cash pickup at 8,000+ locations | Minutes |
| Airport Exchange Counter | Rs. 5–12 below market | Avoid , worst rate | Instant |
Top 5 SBP-licensed exchange companies in Pakistan:
- Dollar East Exchange , nationwide, SBP Category A
- H&H Exchange Co. , competitive rates, SBP licensed
- Link International Exchange , 75+ branches, toll-free: 0800-78610
- AA Exchange Company , trusted, major cities
- HBL Currency Exchange , bank-backed, secure
How Dollar Rate Affects Your Daily Life in Pakistan
The exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Pakistani Rupee is one of the most watched financial indicators in Pakistan. It affects everyday life, including prices of imported goods, remittances from overseas Pakistanis, foreign travel costs, business planning, and inflation.
| Sector | How USD/PKR Movement Affects It |
| Petrol & Energy | Pakistan imports crude in USD , dollar strength = higher pump prices |
| Imported Food | Palm oil, pulses, wheat priced in dollars , PKR weakness raises grocery bills |
| Electronics & Phones | Imported mobiles, laptops, appliances more expensive as dollar strengthens |
| Freelancers & IT Exports | Weaker PKR = more rupees per dollar earned , a direct income benefit |
| Students Abroad | Tuition in USD/GBP/EUR costs more rupees when dollar rises |
| Online Shopping | Amazon, AliExpress orders , budget Rs. 285–292/dollar after bank fees (1–3%) |
| Medicines | Pharma raw materials imported in dollars , dollar rate affects medicine prices |
| Real Estate | Properties priced in PKR but construction materials often dollar-indexed |
SBP’s Role in Controlling the Dollar Rate
The interbank exchange rate today depends upon the international banks and the value and time period they had set for currency trading, which will determine the interbank exchange rate.
The State Bank of Pakistan manages the dollar rate through several tools:
- Foreign exchange reserves management , SBP sells dollars from its $19.59B reserve when PKR weakens too fast
- Licensing of exchange companies , all forex dealers must be SBP-licensed; unlicensed operators face criminal penalties
- Crackdown on black market , SBP penalizes undeclared dollar transactions aggressively in 2026
- Monetary Policy Rate (22.5% current) , high interest rates attract foreign portfolio investment, supporting PKR
- IMF EFF coordination , Pakistan’s exchange rate policy is directly aligned with IMF Extended Fund Facility conditions
Dollar Rate vs Pakistani Rupee – Long-Term Performance
| Year | Approximate USD/PKR Rate | PKR Change |
| 2018 | Rs. 121 | , |
| 2019 | Rs. 156 | ▼ -22.4% |
| 2020 | Rs. 167 | ▼ -6.6% |
| 2021 | Rs. 176 | ▼ -5.1% |
| 2022 | Rs. 220+ | ▼ -25% |
| 2023 | Rs. 286–307 | ▼ -28% |
| 2024 | Rs. 278–282 | ▲ +8% recovery |
| 2026 (Today) | Rs. 279–280 | ↔ Stable recovery |
The PKR’s recovery from its 2023 all-time low of Rs. 307+ to today’s Rs. 279–280 represents one of the most remarkable currency stabilizations in Pakistan’s recent economic history , driven by the IMF programme, SBP discipline, and rising remittances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the dollar rate in Pakistan today on 26 March 2026? The open market dollar selling rate today is Rs. 280.30 and buying rate is Rs. 279.25. The SBP interbank selling rate is Rs. 279.95. These rates are confirmed by the Forex Association of Pakistan as of 26 March 2026.
Q: What is the difference between interbank and open market dollar rate? The interbank dollar rate is the US dollar value at which banks trade dollars. It is different from the open market rate and is generally for larger transactions such as imports, exports, and international payments. The open market rate is what you receive at exchange companies , typically Rs. 0.35–2.00 higher than interbank.
Q: Why is the dollar rate so stable in Pakistan in March 2026? Stability is driven by Eid remittance inflows, Pakistan’s $19.59 billion forex reserves, IMF EFF compliance, SBP crackdown on black market forex, and rising IT export earnings of $2.23 billion in H1 FY26. The rupee has changed just -0.220% in the entire past year.
Q: How much is $100 in Pakistani rupees today? At today’s open market selling rate of Rs. 280.30, $100 = Rs. 28,030. At the interbank rate of Rs. 279.95, $100 = Rs. 27,995.
Q: Which is the best way to convert dollars to Pakistani rupees? The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) gives you the SBP interbank rate with zero income tax on incoming remittances , the best overall value. For walk-in cash exchange, compare at least 3 SBP-licensed exchange companies before transacting.
Q: What is the dollar rate in Karachi vs Lahore vs Islamabad today? Rates are nearly identical nationwide , Karachi is Rs. 279.25/280.30, Lahore Rs. 279.20/280.25, and Islamabad Rs. 279.30/280.35. Differences of Rs. 0.05–0.15 exist due to local dealer premiums.
Q: What is the 52-week range for USD to PKR? USD/PKR has traded within a 52-week range of 278.721 to 286.250 , a spread of just Rs. 7.53 over an entire year, making this one of the most stable periods for the rupee in over a decade.
Q: Where can I check the live dollar rate in Pakistan? Check hamariweb.com/finance/forex, forex.pk, pakbiz.com/open-market-rates, or the SBP website at sbp.org.pk for live, verified rates. The SBP helpline is +92-21-3245-1122.
Final Thoughts
The dollar rate in Pakistan today , Rs. 280.30 (open market selling) , reflects a period of rare, hard-earned stability for the Pakistani rupee. From the 2023 crisis high of Rs. 307+ to today’s Rs. 279–280 range, Pakistan’s currency has undergone one of its most impressive recoveries , backed by $19.59 billion in reserves, Eid remittance inflows, IMF programme discipline, and SBP’s aggressive crackdown on black-market forex.
For freelancers earning in dollars, this rate means Rs. 1.40 lakh per $500 earned. For businesses importing goods, the stable rate enables better planning. For overseas Pakistanis, the Roshan Digital Account remains the gold standard for sending money home at interbank rates with zero tax.
Always compare at least 3 licensed exchange companies before transacting , and check the live rate at forex.pk or hamariweb.com before every visit.
Key Resources:
- SBP Helpline: +92-21-3245-1122 | SBP Portal: sbp.org.pk
- Live Rates: forex.pk | hamariweb.com/finance/forex | pakbiz.com
- Link Exchange Toll-Free: 0800-78610
- Roshan Digital Account: sbp.org.pk/rda
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