Dollar continues climb against rupee

Published June 27, 2019
According to some dealers, the greenback's value will hit Rs165 before the closing of the outgoing fiscal year. — AFP/File
According to some dealers, the greenback's value will hit Rs165 before the closing of the outgoing fiscal year. — AFP/File

The value of the dollar on Thursday slightly increased in the open market and the interbank market by Re0.50 and Re0.20 respectively.

The greenback strengthened its value against the rupee to Rs163.50 in the open market, while in the interbank market, it hit Rs164.20 level.

The surprise big devaluation of the local currency took place after declaration by the State Bank of Pakistan governor that the exchange rate would be market-based and that the free float was not suitable for the country’s economy.

Earlier on Wednesday, the local currency shed its value by a whopping Rs7.2 in a single day to hit Rs164 in interbank trade ─ a record low ─ at the close of the day's trading. The greenback, yesterday, was being traded at Rs163 in the open market ─ showing an increase of at least Rs6.

In his first press conference, the new SBP governor had assured that the central bank would interfere in exchange rate if the market became volatile; exchange rate will be market-based and that the free float does not suit the country’s economy.

The exchange rate remained almost unchanged, hovering around Rs157 for more than a week while the market was feeling that the dollar could see depreciation against the rupee in the near future.

The PM House today issued a statement saying that the government was considering a special campaign targeted at ensuring that state departments improve their efficiency in controlling prices.

Opinion

Editorial

Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...
Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...