US Dollar Rate Today in Pakistan Open Market Hits New High Fast
The US dollar has suddenly become much more expensive in Pakistan today. In the open market, the dollar rate jumped sharply this morning and many people are rushing to exchange companies.
Latest Rates Right Now (20 Feb 2026 – Afternoon Update)
- Open Market Buying → Rs. 287.80 – 288.10
- Open Market Selling → Rs. 288.50 – 289.00
Interbank rate is still lower at around Rs. 285.90 – 286.30, so the difference between bank and open market is now Rs. 2.50–3.00.
Many big exchange shops in Karachi (Saddar), Lahore (Anarkali), and Islamabad (Blue Area) said they have very little stock left for small buyers. Some dealers are even saying “dollars khatam ho gaye hain” after 1 PM.
Why Did Dollar Jump So Fast Today?
Dealers are saying three main things happened at the same time:
- Importers booked very large amounts of dollars for February shipments
- Remittances from abroad came slower than normal this week
- Some big traders started buying dollars thinking the rate will go even higher next week
Because of this sudden demand, the rate moved up quickly in just 3–4 hours.
What It Means for Normal People
- If someone is sending $1,000 from abroad → family will get Rs. 3,500–4,200 less than last week
- Student paying university fee in dollars → extra Rs. 12,000–15,000 cost
- Small shop owner importing goods → extra Rs. 35,000–50,000 burden on small shipments
Many families are worried because this is the third big jump in the last 20 days.
Quick Tips for Today (20 Feb 2026)
- Urgently need dollars? → Go to a big trusted exchange company fast (before evening) and try to lock the rate now.
- Waiting for remittance? → Ask the sender to wait 1–2 days – big jumps like this usually come down a little after 24–48 hours.
- Have dollars at home? → This is a good time to sell if you don’t need them right now.
- Never trust WhatsApp or Telegram agents – fake rates and advance-fee scams are very common today.
State Bank has not said anything yet, but traders think they may give some statement tomorrow if the open market gap stays above Rs. 3.
Keep checking big bank apps or trusted exchange counters – don’t believe random messages showing very high or very low rates.
