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Rupee rally continues unabated over improved dollar supply

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  • Rupee settles at 262.82 against dollar in interbank market.
  • Adequate supply of dollar improves investors’ sentiment.
  • Local unit closes day at 268 in open market.

Amid optimism regarding the revival of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in the coming days and an improved supply of the greenback in the markets, the Pakistan rupee continued to register gains for the fourth consecutive session.

The local unit closed the day at 262.82 against the US dollar after gaining Rs1.56, or 0.59%, in the interbank market compared to Thursday’s close of 264.38. Meanwhile, the rupee value remained unchanged at 268 in the open market.

Currency dealers attribute this recovery to an improved supply of greenback as exporters are selling their dollar holdings to take advantage of better rates while an increase in remittance inflows is also observed.

The government has undertaken the necessary steps to secure the stalled IMF programme. It has depreciated the currency, increased the cost of gas and electricity, and ultimately unveiled a mini-budget, imposing new taxation measures in an effort to raise an additional Rs170 billion during the ongoing fiscal year 2022-23.

The government appears to be prepared for a staff-level agreement with the IMF since all known prerequisites for the Washington-based lender have been met.

The centre is trying to get the IMF on board in the next day or two as depleting reserves and upcoming repayments on external fronts have pushed the government into the corner. Inflows from the IMF will unlock flows from friendly countries and other multilateral institutions.

Moreover, foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also rose over $200 million during the week ended February 10 after a hiatus of three weeks.

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In interbank trade, the Pakistani rupee beats the US dollar.

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In the international exchange market, the US dollar has continued to weaken in relation to the Pakistani rupee.

The dollar fell to Rs278.10 from Rs278.17 at the beginning of interbank trading, according to currency dealers, a seven paisa loss.

In the meantime, there was a lot of turbulence in the stock market, but it recovered and moved into the positive zone. The KSE-100 index recovered momentum and reached 116,000 points after soaring 1,300 points.

Both currency and stock market swings, according to analysts, are a reflection of ongoing market adjustments and economic uncertainty.

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Phase II of CPEC: China-Pakistan Partnership Enters a New Era

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The cornerstone of economic cooperation between the two brothers and all-weather friends is still the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the initiative’s flagship project.

In contrast to reports of a slowdown, recent events indicate a renewed vigour and strategic emphasis on pushing the second phase of CPEC, known as CPEC Phase-2, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.

According to the statement, this crucial stage seeks to reshape the foundation of bilateral ties via increased cooperation, cutting-edge technology transfer, and revolutionary socioeconomic initiatives.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is leading Pakistan’s participation in a number of high-profile gatherings in China, such as the 3rd Forum on China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation in Kunming and the High-Level Seminar on CPEC-2 in Beijing.

His involvement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to reviving CPEC, resolving outstanding concerns, and developing a strong phase-2 roadmap that considers both countries’ long-term prosperity.

At the core of these interactions is China’s steadfast determination to turn CPEC into a strategic alliance that promotes development, progress, and connectivity.

Instead of being marginalised, CPEC is developing into a multifaceted framework with five main thematic corridors: the Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor, the Innovation Corridor, the Green Corridor, the Growth Corridor, and the Livelihood-Enhancing Corridor.

With the help of projects like these, the two countries will fortify their partnership, and CPEC phase-2 will become a model of global economic integration and collaboration that benefits not just China and Pakistan but the entire region.

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The inflation rate in Pakistan dropped to its lowest level.

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On December 2, core inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) significantly slowed, falling to 4.9% in November 2024 from 7.2 percent in October 2024.

The CPI-based inflation rate for the same month last year (November 2023) was 29.2%, according to PBS data.

Compared to a 1.2% gain in the prior month, it increased by 0.5% month over month in November 2024.

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