Karachi, May 20, 2025 – The Saudi Riyal (SAR) held steady against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in the open market, underscoring the robust economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with consistent remittance flows supporting currency stability. According to the Forex Association of Pakistan, the buying rate for 1 SAR stood at approximately Rs74.95, with the selling rate hovering around Rs75.25, aligning with recent trends observed in the currency market.
This steadiness comes amid robust remittance inflows from Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Arabia, who sent an estimated $744.4 million in February 2025 alone, bolstering Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. The State Bank of Pakistan reported total liquid reserves at $15.58 billion as of late March 2025, providing a buffer against currency fluctuations. “The SAR-PKR exchange rate is a critical indicator of our economic ties with Saudi Arabia,” noted financial analyst Ayesha Khan. Stable rates aid millions of Pakistani families dependent on remittances.
The Saudi Riyal, pegged to the U.S. Dollar at 3.75 SAR since 1986, benefits from this fixed policy, indirectly stabilizing its value against the PKR. Pakistan’s managed float regime, overseen by the State Bank, has also curbed speculative trading, contributing to the Riyal’s consistent performance. Over the past week, the SAR-PKR rate has fluctuated minimally, with a high of 75.211 on May 15, 2025, and a low of 74.996 on May 11, 2025, as reported by currency converters.
Saudi Arabia remains a key economic partner for Pakistan, with deep-rooted trade, investment, and cultural ties. The presence of 2.5 to 2.7 million Pakistani workers in the Kingdom underscores the importance of the SAR-PKR rate for daily transactions and savings transfers. Recent bilateral developments, including Saudi investments under Vision 2030, further strengthen this financial corridor.
Market observers anticipate the SAR-PKR rate to remain within the 74.90–75.30 range through May, barring unforeseen global economic shifts. For overseas Pakistanis and traders, today’s stable rate offers predictability for planning remittances and business transactions.
Stay tuned for daily updates on currency trends, remittance flows, and economic news impacting Pakistan’s forex market.
