KARACHI, November 5, 2025: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) dropped sharply to Rs74.90 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in today’s open market, a significant decline from Rs75.26 on November 4 and well below the July 28 peak of Rs76.03, according to currency dealers.The selling rate adjusted to Rs75.47. This notable dip, driven by market recalibrations and sustained remittance inflows, underscores the Saudi Riyal’s critical role in Pakistan’s economic framework.For millions of Pakistani families, the Saudi Riyal is a vital lifeline, channeling the earnings of workers in Saudi Arabia’s construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors back home. The State Bank of Pakistan reports that Saudi Arabia accounted for $913.3 million of Pakistan’s remittance inflows in May 2025, the largest share. From July 2024 to May 2025, total remittances reached $34.9 billion, a 28.8% increase year-over-year. Today’s rate of Rs74.90 converts 1,000 Saudi Riyals to Rs74,900, down from Rs75,260 yesterday, noticeably impacting household budgets for essentials like education, medical care, and daily expenses.The Saudi Riyal’s plunge to Rs74.90 carries immediate and broader effects. For households, this significant reduction trims remittance purchasing power, making it harder to keep up with rising living costs. Businesses importing oil and petrochemicals from Saudi Arabia benefit from the Riyal’s dollar-pegged stability, and this decline eases import costs, supporting Pakistan’s trade balance. On a macroeconomic level, the Riyal’s performance continues to bolster Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which surpassed $11 billion in October 2024, aiding inflation control and debt management. A weaker Rupee enhances export competitiveness, aligning with Pakistan’s economic resilience.Saudi Riyal and Pakistani RupeeThe Saudi Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala, is Saudi Arabia’s currency, managed by the Saudi Central Bank and pegged to the US dollar for reliability. This stability makes it a trusted medium for remittances and trade, especially for Pakistanis in the Kingdom. The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), symbolized by ₨, has been Pakistan’s currency since 1948, overseen by the State Bank of Pakistan under a managed floating exchange rate. Its value is shaped by inflation, trade flows, and remittance inflows, with the Riyal-PKR rate reflecting market dynamics.The Saudi Riyal’s decline to Rs74.90 reflects ongoing market corrections, supported by remittances and trade with Saudi Arabia. Traders and policymakers should remain vigilant, as such significant shifts can affect remittances, import costs, and economic strategies. For millions of Pakistanis, the Riyal’s dependable value remains a steady anchor, supporting families and sustaining Pakistan’s economic stability.Sources: State Bank of Pakistan, Forex Association of Pakistan