Forex in Pakistan: PKR Rates and a Trading Guide
Check reference rates for major currencies against the rupee, then read a plain-English guide to forex trading in Pakistan: the rules, the risks and how to start carefully.
Major currencies against the rupee
| Pair | Currency | Reference rate (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| USD to PKR | US Dollar | — |
| EUR to PKR | Euro | — |
| GBP to PKR | British Pound | — |
| AED to PKR | UAE Dirham | — |
| SAR to PKR | Saudi Riyal | — |
| CAD to PKR | Canadian Dollar | — |
| AUD to PKR | Australian Dollar | — |
| CNY to PKR | Chinese Yuan | — |
Source update: Loading…. Reference rates from open.er-api.com. Banks and exchange companies quote their own buy and sell rates. For the dollar in detail, see USD to PKR.
Choose your path
Forex trading and the rules in Pakistan
Foreign exchange in Pakistan is controlled under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) sets the framework. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) regulates exchanges such as the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX).
Do not confuse trading with ordinary currency exchange. Converting dollars to rupees at a dealer is a one-off transaction; trading means speculating on price movements, often with leverage.
How currency pairs work
| Type | Examples | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Majors | EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY | High liquidity, tighter spreads |
| Crosses | EUR/GBP, AUD/JPY | No US dollar in the pair |
| Exotics | USD/PKR | Wider spreads, sensitive to reserves, trade data and policy news |
Risk management basics
- Use stop-loss orders so a losing trade is closed at a level you chose in advance.
- Respect leverage. It magnifies losses as quickly as gains.
- Watch the calendar. Interest-rate decisions, US jobs data and SBP policy statements can move prices sharply.
- Never trade money you cannot afford to lose. Industry risk warnings commonly report that most retail traders lose money.
A careful path for beginners
- Learn the basicsPairs, pips, spreads, leverage and order types.
- Check the rulesRead current SBP and SECP guidance and verify any licence.
- Practise on a demoUse a demo account until you follow a written plan consistently.
- Start small, if at allRisk only money you can afford to lose and keep a trading journal.
Frequently asked questions
Is forex trading legal in Pakistan?
The rules for retail forex trading are strict and not simple. Foreign exchange is controlled by the State Bank of Pakistan, and regulators have warned about unauthorised platforms. Check the latest SBP and SECP guidance before depositing any money.
What is PMEX?
The Pakistan Mercantile Exchange is an SECP-regulated exchange for futures contracts. Check its website for the products currently offered before you trade.
Is forex trading the same as exchanging currency at an exchange company?
No. Exchanging currency is a one-off conversion at a dealer's rate. Forex trading means speculating on price movements, often with leverage, and it carries a high risk of loss.
Why is USD/PKR called an exotic pair?
Pairs that include an emerging-market currency are usually called exotics. They tend to have wider spreads and react strongly to reserves, trade balances and policy news.
What is leverage and why is it risky?
Leverage lets you control a larger position with less capital, which magnifies losses as well as gains. A small adverse move can wipe out a deposit.
Where can I check PKR rates?
The table on this page shows reference rates for major currencies against the rupee. Each currency has its own page, and your bank or exchange company will quote the exact buy and sell rate.