KARACHI — The Saudi Riyal (SAR) traded at Rs75.45 against the Pakistani rupee in the open market on Tuesday, with a slight increase in the buying rate. The selling rate also rose by eight paisas, settling at Rs76.
The SAR to PKR exchange rate remains closely watched, as a large number of Pakistanis live and work in Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
At the current rate, converting 500 Saudi Riyals would yield Rs37,725 in the open market.
Remittances from Saudi Arabia have played a vital role in Pakistan’s economy. Workers’ remittances from overseas grew by 28.8% during the first eleven months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, reaching nearly $35 billion. In May 2025 alone, inflows rose to $3.69 billion.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, cumulative remittances totaled $34.9 billion from July 2024 to May 2025, up from $27.1 billion during the same period last year.
Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia led the remittance inflows in May 2025, sending $913.3 million, followed by $754.2 million from the UAE.
Currency exchange plays a key role in global trade and travel by allowing individuals and businesses to convert money between countries. Exchange rates, which show the value of one currency relative to another, are influenced by factors like supply and demand, interest rates, inflation, political stability, and economic performance.
A strong economy with low inflation usually increases demand for a country’s currency, raising its value. Exchange rates can be determined by market forces (floating rates) or fixed by governments pegging their currency to another, such as the US dollar.
Central banks sometimes intervene in currency markets to stabilize or influence exchange rates. Understanding these dynamics helps businesses manage risks and costs, and helps travelers plan their budgets. Currency exchange remains a vital part of the global financial system.
