1 USD to PKR in 1947 | Complete Exchange Rate History & Analysis

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) has seen major changes against the US dollar (USD) since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Starting at around 3.31 PKR per USD, the rupee’s value has been shaped by economic challenges, global events, and policy shifts. Below is a detailed look at how the exchange rate has evolved over key years, reflecting Pakistan’s economic story.

The rupee was stable in the early years but faced devaluations due to wars, oil crises, and political changes. The 1980s and 1990s saw faster depreciation as inflation and deficits grew. The 2000s brought some stability under economic reforms, but the 2008 global financial crisis hit hard. Recent years show the rupee weakening further due to high imports, debt, and global pressures.

USD to PKR Exchange Rates (1947–2025)

Year	USD to PKR Rate
1947	3.31
1948	3.31
1950	3.31
1960	4.76
1965	4.76
1970	5.00
1972	9.90
1980	9.99
1990	21.71
1991	23.80
1998	46.80
2000	56.34
2001	63.50
2002	60.50
2003	57.75
2004	57.80
2005	59.70
2006	60.40
2007	60.83
2008	81.10
2009	84.10
2015	101.78
2016	104.84
2017	105.46
2018	121.88
2019	155.98
2020	161.83
2021	176.57
2022	204.85
2023	286.58
2024	278.62
2025	281.20 (Current)

Key Insights

• 1947–1960s: The rupee was pegged to the British pound, staying stable at 3.31–4.76 PKR per USD. Early economic struggles kept the rate low.
• 1970s–1980s: Devaluations in 1972 (9.90 PKR) and 1982 (16.50 PKR) were driven by nationalization and global oil shocks.
• 1990s: High inflation and deficits pushed the rate to 46.80 PKR by 1998.
• 2000s: Reforms under Musharraf stabilized the rupee (57–63 PKR), but the 2008 crisis spiked it to 81.10 PKR.
• 2015–2025: The rupee faced sharp declines, hitting 286.58 PKR in 2023 due to debt and import pressures. It slightly recovered to 281.20 PKR in 2025.