USD to PKR Today: Dollar Rate in Pakistan (16 August 2026)
The US Dollar is trading at around Rs. 278.5–278.7 in Pakistan’s open market and Rs. 277.55–278.05 in the interbank market today, 16 August 2026. Here’s the full breakdown across major currencies and what moves these rates day to day.
Today’s open market rates
| Currency | Buying (PKR) | Selling (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | 278.50 | 278.70 |
| Euro (EUR) | 320.05 | 325.55 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 374.89 | 380.84 |
| Saudi Riyal (SAR) | 74.05 | 74.70 |
| UAE Dirham (AED) | 76.15 | 77.15 |
Today’s interbank rate (USD)
| Rate type | Value (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Bank buying (TT Clean) | 277.55 |
| Bank selling (TT & OD) | 278.05 |
Open market vs interbank: what’s the difference?
- Interbank rate is what banks use to trade currency among themselves and with the State Bank of Pakistan — the closest thing to an “official” benchmark rate.
- Open market rate is what you’ll actually get at a currency exchange counter or money changer, and typically runs slightly higher than the interbank rate for buying dollars.
- The gap between the two widens when demand for dollars is high relative to supply — a useful signal of currency market pressure.
Why the exchange rate matters for Pakistan
The dollar-rupee rate feeds directly into import costs, including the energy imports that determine petrol and diesel prices and the international gold benchmark behind the gold rate in Pakistan. A weaker rupee raises the rupee cost of every dollar-denominated import, while remittances sent home by overseas Pakistani workers — including the growing flow from Gulf employment — become worth more in rupee terms when the dollar strengthens.
What moves the rate day to day
- Remittance inflows. Higher inflows from overseas workers ease dollar demand and support the rupee.
- Import bills. Energy and commodity import payments are among the largest sources of dollar demand.
- SBP reserves and policy. State Bank interventions and reserve levels influence how much the rate is allowed to move.
- Global dollar strength. Broad-based dollar strength or weakness against other currencies also spills into the PKR rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dollar rate in Pakistan today?
As of 16 August 2026, the open market rate is around Rs. 278.5 (buying) to Rs. 278.7 (selling), while the interbank rate is Rs. 277.55 to Rs. 278.05.
Why is the open market dollar rate higher than the interbank rate?
Open market rates reflect actual retail supply and demand at exchange counters, which typically run slightly above the interbank benchmark used for bank-to-bank trading.
Where can I check the live exchange rate?
The State Bank of Pakistan publishes official interbank rates, while licensed exchange companies display current open market buying and selling rates — both change throughout the trading day, so treat any single snapshot as indicative rather than final.
Rates as of 16 August 2026, sourced from open market and interbank currency data. Exchange rates change minute to minute — treat these figures as indicative and verify current rates with your bank or exchange company before any transaction.
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