PKRPakistani RupeePakistani Rupee (PKR)
The Pakistani rupee is Pakistan's national currency and a central unit for South Asian commerce, public finance and household payments.
- ISO code
- PKR
- Symbol
- Rs
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- PKR operates through a market-based interbank foreign-exchange framework in which the State Bank of Pakistan may act to maintain orderly conditions. It has no permanent one-to-one parity with USD or another currency.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
PKR at a glance
Currency profile
How PKR works
The Pakistani rupee is Pakistan's national currency and a central unit for South Asian commerce, public finance and household payments.
The State Bank of Pakistan manages the monetary system and banknote issue, while Pakistan's federal government is responsible for coins under the national currency framework.
- PKR is divided into 100 paisa, although routine cash prices are generally expressed in whole rupees.
- The rupee name and Rs abbreviation are shared across South Asia, so PKR is essential in cross-border records.
Context
Why this currency matters
PKR matters because Pakistan sits at the intersection of South Asian production, Gulf labor flows and international commodity trade. Its post-partition history also shows how a new state moved from temporary use of inherited notes to a distinct central-bank currency, while today's provider rate remains separate from monetary-policy decisions.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
PKR operates through a market-based interbank foreign-exchange framework in which the State Bank of Pakistan may act to maintain orderly conditions. It has no permanent one-to-one parity with USD or another currency.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for PKR
Interim currency arrangements began
Pakistan initially used overprinted and inherited rupee notes while preparing a separate national issue after independence.
State Bank of Pakistan Museum - currency historyState Bank and national notes established
The State Bank of Pakistan began operations and Pakistan introduced its own rupee banknotes.
State Bank of Pakistan Museum - currency historyRupee decimalized
Pakistan replaced the anna-based subdivision with 100 paisa to one rupee.
State Bank of Pakistan Museum - currency history
Usage and economy
How PKR is used
- Prices, payroll, taxes and settlement throughout Pakistan.
- Trade and remittance comparisons involving INR, BDT, AED and SAR.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
PKR currency units
The State Bank of Pakistan publishes official information on Pakistani rupee banknotes and their security features.
Pakistan's official currency materials document rupee and paisa coin denominations.
One Pakistani Rupee unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Paisa as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
PKR questions
Why is PKR important in South Asia?
PKR supports Pakistan's large domestic economy and its trade and remittance links with South Asia, the Gulf and international markets.
Who issues Pakistani rupee banknotes?
The State Bank of Pakistan is responsible for issuing and managing Pakistani rupee banknotes.
Why was 1961 important for the Pakistani rupee?
Pakistan decimalized the rupee in 1961, replacing the former anna subdivision with 100 paisa.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.