Saudi Riyal to Pakistani Rupee Exchange Rate Update — January 20, 2026

KARACHI/RIYADH, Jan 20, 2026: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) edged lower in Pakistan’s open market on Tuesday, trading at Rs74.57 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), currency dealers said. The rate slipped slightly from Monday’s Rs74.65 and remains well below its July 2025 peak of Rs76.03.

The selling rate of the Saudi currency was recorded at Rs75.14.

Market participants described the movement as modest, reflecting routine adjustments supported by stable remittance inflows. Despite the marginal decline, the Saudi Riyal continues to hold significant importance for Pakistan’s economy.

For millions of households across the country, the Riyal represents a crucial source of income, carrying wages earned by Pakistani workers employed in Saudi Arabia’s construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. State Bank of Pakistan, remittances from Saudi Arabia totaled $913.3 million in May 2025, making it the country’s largest single source of inflows. Between July 2024 and May 2025, Pakistan received $34.9 billion in remittances, marking a 28.8% year-on-year increase.

At the current exchange rate, 1,000 Saudi Riyals are worth Rs74,570, compared with Rs74,650 a day earlier. While the change is small, it slightly affects household budgets that rely on overseas income to cover education, healthcare, and routine expenses.

The Riyal’s softer rate carries wider economic implications as well. Pakistani importers, particularly those sourcing oil and petrochemicals from Saudi Arabia, benefit from the currency’s dollar peg, which provides stability and helps ease import costs. This supports Pakistan’s trade balance and reduces pressure on domestic prices.

At the broader macroeconomic level, sustained remittance inflows linked to the Riyal have strengthened Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which crossed $11 billion in October 2024. These inflows play a key role in managing inflation and servicing external debt. Meanwhile, a relatively weaker Rupee supports export competitiveness, contributing to overall economic resilience.

The Saudi Riyal, subdivided into 100 halalas, is issued by the Saudi Central Bank and remains pegged to the US dollar, ensuring long-term stability. This makes it a preferred currency for remittances and bilateral trade. The Pakistani Rupee, symbolized by ₨, has been in circulation since 1948 and operates under a managed float regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan. Its value is influenced by inflation trends, trade activity, and foreign currency inflows.

Analysts say the Riyal’s movement to Rs74.57 reflects ongoing market corrections supported by consistent remittance flows and strong trade ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. While the change is limited, even small fluctuations can influence remittance values, import costs, and policy planning. For Pakistani families dependent on overseas earnings, the Saudi Riyal remains a dependable financial pillar underpinning economic stability.

Sources: State Bank of Pakistan, Forex Association of Pakistan