Karachi/Doha, March 14, 2026 — The exchange rate of the Qatari Riyal (QAR) against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) has experienced a modest decline, currently standing at 76.64 PKR as of 2:36 PM Pakistan Standard Time. This marks a slight drop from the 76.74 PKR recorded on March 7 and 76.73 PKR on February 28. The gradual downward movement reflects ongoing pressures on the Qatari currency, despite Qatar’s energy sector maintaining a solid footing amid relatively quiet market conditions.
Over the past several months, the QAR-PKR exchange rate has remained confined within a narrow and subdued range. Recent figures illustrate this stability, with rates hovering around 76.73 PKR on February 28, 76.76 PKR on February 21, and 76.79 PKR on February 14. Earlier in the year, the rate fluctuated slightly but stayed within a similar band: 76.73 PKR on January 31, 76.88 PKR on January 17, 76.79 PKR on January 10, 76.92 PKR on January 3, and 76.85 PKR on December 27 of the previous year. These numbers contrast with higher values observed in mid to late 2025, such as 77.93 PKR on September 5, 77.88 PKR on August 12, and the peak of 78.26 PKR recorded on July 19, 2025.
Looking back further, June 2025 closed with the QAR trading at 77.86 PKR, having opened the month near 77.39 PKR. This gradual easing in the exchange rate can be attributed to Pakistan’s ongoing economic policies and external financial support, which have played a crucial role in stabilizing the Pakistani Rupee. These measures have helped the PKR either maintain or slightly improve its position against the Qatari Riyal during this extended period of currency market fluctuations.
The exchange rate between the Qatari Riyal and Pakistani Rupee is primarily influenced by supply and demand dynamics in the foreign exchange market. Key drivers include bilateral trade flows, remittance inflows from expatriates, and the broader economic policies implemented by both countries. The Qatari Riyal remains firmly pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 3.64 QAR per USD, which provides a degree of stability supported by Qatar’s dominant role in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Conversely, the Pakistani Rupee operates under a floating exchange rate system, making it more sensitive to domestic inflation rates, political developments, and fluctuations in foreign currency reserves. These factors have generally favored the PKR in recent months, contributing to its relative strength against the QAR.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical landscape continues to exert significant influence on currency markets. The regional conflict involving Iran, which escalated in late February 2026, has heightened tensions in the Gulf region. Disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz and damage to critical infrastructure have kept global oil prices elevated, creating inflationary pressures for energy-importing countries like Pakistan. While Qatar benefits from higher LNG prices due to its exporter status, the prolonged uncertainty in the Gulf adds volatility to regional currencies and complicates trade routes.
For Pakistan, the rise in oil prices translates into increased import costs, which in turn fuels inflation and fosters a risk-averse environment in financial markets. This scenario has indirectly supported the Pakistani Rupee against the Qatari Riyal in recent trading sessions. However, this dynamic poses challenges for Pakistani expatriates living in Qatar, who number over 125,000. The current lower exchange rate diminishes the purchasing power of remittances sent back home. For instance, a transfer of 1,000 QAR today converts to 76,640 PKR, which is 100 PKR less than the amount received on March 7 and 750 PKR below the level seen in June 2025, when 1,000 QAR equaled 77,390 PKR.
This persistent depreciation in remittance value places additional financial strain on families in Pakistan, who rely on these funds to cover essential expenses such as education, healthcare, housing, and daily living costs. On the other hand, Pakistanis earning in local currency may still find imported goods in Qatar relatively affordable due to the currency dynamics. It is important to note that the Qatari Riyal, introduced in 1966 and symbolized as QR or ر.ق, is managed by the Qatar Central Bank and remains a stable pillar of the Gulf’s economic framework. In contrast, the Pakistani Rupee, denoted by ₨ since 1948, is regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan and is more susceptible to shifts in economic and geopolitical conditions.
