Pakistan’s open market saw the US dollar hold steady around 279 rupees in mid-March 2026, with traders in Karachi noting only minor shifts day by day. On March 18, buyers paid 279.15 rupees per dollar while sellers asked 280.40, keeping the rupee under pressure from steady foreign demand. This pattern played out across major currencies as remittances and trade influenced daily trades. Exchange dealers watched closely as European and Gulf currencies also stayed firm against the local unit.

The euro commanded strong interest, trading at 319.80 for buying and 323.05 for selling that same day. UK pound sterling topped the list among traded pairs, with rates at 370.31 to buy and 374.25 to sell. These levels reflected ongoing needs from overseas Pakistanis sending money home and businesses handling imports. Daily fluctuations stayed small, hovering within a few paisas.

Gulf currencies drew heavy volume thanks to worker remittances. UAE dirham changed hands at 75.45 buying and 76.65 selling, while Saudi riyal sat at 73.70 and 74.65. Qatari riyal moved between 74.60 and 75.30, and Omani riyal ranged higher from 715.65 to 725.65. Such stability helped families reliant on these inflows manage household costs amid rising local prices.

Other global currencies followed suit with tight ranges. Australian dollar went for 193.40 buying up to 197 selling, Canadian dollar from 202.18 to 206.50, and Singapore dollar between 214.34 and 219.25. Historical data from early March showed the dollar dipping slightly from 281 on March 9 to around 279 by March 20. Traders pointed to balanced supply from exports offsetting import bills.

Looking ahead, experts expect these rates to hold unless big economic news hits, like policy shifts or global oil moves. Remittance flows will likely keep Gulf currencies resilient, while the dollar’s grip tests Pakistan’s reserves. Market watchers urge caution for anyone exchanging large sums, as even small swings add up over time.