Overview
- State Bank of Pakistan data show the rupee closed at 277.71 per US dollar, a 0.03 percent inter‑bank appreciation from the prior week.
- Open‑market quotes reported by local outlets remained in the high‑278 to 279 range, with Business Recorder and Pakistan Observer listing buy/sell rates around 278.4–279.87.
- Pakistan Bureau of Statistics figures for July 2026 put headline inflation at 9.2 percent year‑on‑year and recorded a widened trade deficit of USD 3.95 billion as imports rose about 18 percent and exports roughly 10 percent.
- SBP reported foreign‑exchange reserves held by the central bank rose by USD 13 million to USD 17.04 billion for the week ended July 31, with total liquid reserves at USD 22.47 billion and commercial banks holding USD 5.43 billion.
- The small FX moves and slim reserve gains mean businesses, remitters and investors will keep watching short‑term rates and monthly data for signs of sustained reserve rebuilding or renewed pressure on import costs and foreign investment.