KARACHI: The US dollar crossed the Rs100-benchmark in the open market towards the end of this week, after almost one and half months stability, said currency traders.
The sudden jump in the greenback’s value came as rich Pakistanis are set to fly abroad with their families to enjoy summer vacations.
“The dollar crossed Rs100 by mid of the day but returned back to Rs99.85 by the close,” said Anwar Jamal, a currency expert and money changer.
The greenback remained below Rs100 for more than six weeks but it breached the limit on Thursday as it was traded at Rs100.20. It again traded above Rs100 on Saturday but slipped back to Rs100.
Money changers said the buying trend is not new since hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis travel abroad in summer, either to enjoy the tour or to join their families living abroad. Many out of millions of Pakistanis living all around the globe also invite their families in their respective countries.
However, other buyers were the people leaving for Umrah close to Ramazan and those preparing for Hajj.