KARACHI, August 22, 2025, 7:21 PM PST – The Saudi Riyal (SAR) remained steady at Rs75.13 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in today’s open market, unchanged from August 21 and notably lower than Rs76.03 on July 28, currency traders reported.
SAR to PKR- Daily Updates
The selling rate held at Rs75.70. This stability, driven by consistent remittance inflows and market dynamics, emphasizes the Saudi Riyal’s critical role in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
Economic Impacts of the Riyal’s Stability
The Saudi Riyal’s steady rate at Rs75.13 has immediate and broader implications. For Pakistani households, the Riyal’s reliable value sustains remittance purchasing power, with 1,000 Saudi Riyals converting to Rs75,130, unchanged from yesterday, supporting essentials like education, healthcare, and daily expenses amid rising costs. Businesses importing goods, such as oil and petrochemicals from Saudi Arabia, benefit from the Riyal’s dollar-pegged consistency, maintaining predictable import costs and stabilizing Pakistan’s trade balance. On a macroeconomic level, the Riyal’s performance supports Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which surpassed $11 billion in October 2024, aiding inflation control and debt management. A weaker Rupee enhances export competitiveness, and this stability reinforces Pakistan’s economic resilience.
Why the Saudi Riyal Is Vital for Pakistan
The Saudi Riyal remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, fueled by strong ties with Saudi Arabia, where millions of Pakistani workers contribute to sectors like construction, healthcare, and services. In May 2025, Saudi Arabia accounted for $913.3 million of Pakistan’s remittance inflows, the largest share, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. From July 2024 to May 2025, total remittances reached $34.9 billion, a 28.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. The Riyal’s dependable value continues to drive economic activity and support families across Pakistan.
Overview of the Saudi Riyal and Pakistani Rupee
The Saudi Riyal, divided into 100 halala, is Saudi Arabia’s currency, managed by the Saudi Central Bank and tied to the US dollar for reliability. This consistency makes it a trusted medium for remittances and trade, particularly for Pakistanis in the Kingdom. The Pakistani Rupee, symbolized by ₨, has been Pakistan’s currency since 1948, overseen by the State Bank of Pakistan under a managed floating exchange rate system. Its value is shaped by inflation, trade flows, and remittance inflows, with the Riyal-PKR rate reflecting market dynamics.
Outlook for the Riyal-PKR Exchange Rate
The Saudi Riyal’s stability at Rs75.13 signals market equilibrium, supported by remittances and trade with Saudi Arabia. Traders and policymakers should stay vigilant, as even small shifts can impact remittances, import costs, and economic strategies. For millions of Pakistanis, the Riyal’s steady value remains a financial lifeline, reinforcing its role in sustaining Pakistan’s economic stability.
Sources: State Bank of Pakistan, Forex Association of Pakistan
