ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani rupee currency fell further against the dollar on Friday and the stock market shed more than 800 points to close off its worst week in seventeen years, less than a week after Pakistan signed a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund that comes with strict reform conditions.
The rupee has depreciated by almost five percent since the IMF and Pakistani authorities agreed to a bailout package last Sunday. On Friday, The Pakistani rupee, in the open market, closed at 151 against the dollar as compared to Thursday’s close of 147, Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan data said.
Taking a cue from the currency market, the stock market also shed 804 points on Friday, falling due to the devaluation of the rupee for the last two working days, an expected hike in the policy rate in the next monetary policy meeting on Monday and selling pressure from mutual funds (net selling of $14mn in 4 sessions).
Finance adviser Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh flew into Karachi on Thursday and met stockbrokers on Friday who requested setting up a “market support fund” to help rein in the continuous decline on the trade floor, local media reported.
“Rupee free fall against the dollar, falling foreign exchange reserves, likely surge in state bank policy rate announcement on May 20, concerns over IMF conditions and targets for the federal budget for fiscal year 19 played a catalyst role in bearish close,” said Ahsan Mehanti, the Chief Executive at Arif Habib Corporation.
“This movement reflects demand and supply conditions in the foreign exchange market,” the State Bank’s chief spokesman said in an emailed statement on Thursday. “It will help in correcting market imbalances.”
Market participants expect a further policy rate hike in the wake of the IMF agreement as the central bank is scheduled to announce the monetary policy for the next two months on Monday.
“The central bank is expected to increased 100 basis points bps 11.75 percent,” Muhammad Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities, told Arab News.
Pakistani rupee in freefall, stock market ends worst week in 17 years
Pakistani rupee in freefall, stock market ends worst week in 17 years
- Finance adviser Shaikh meets stockbrokers who suggest setting up “market support fund” to rein in continuous decline on trade floor
- Rupee hits 149.50 in interbank market before closing at 147.66 against US dollar, stock market sheds 804 points
Pakistan orders four-day workweek, shuts schools to save fuel amid Middle East oil crisis
- The development comes as ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupt oil supplies in Strait of Hormuz, push prices past $119 a barrel
- Islamabad bans government purchases, cuts fuel allocation for vehicles as well as workforce in public and private offices by 50 percent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced austerity measures, including a four-day work week, cuts in government expenditures and closure of schools, to offset the impact of rising global oil prices due to an ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Global fuel supply lines have been disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies nearly a fourth of world oil consumption, after Tehran blocked it following United States-Israeli strikes on Iran and counterattacks against US interests in the Gulf region.
Oil prices surged more than 25 percent globally on Monday to $119.50 a barrel, the highest levels since mid-2022, as some major producers cut supplies and fears of prolonged shipping disruptions gripped the market due to the expanding US-Israeli war with Iran.
In his televised address on Sunday night, Sharif said global oil prices were expected to rise again in the coming days but vowed not to let the people bear their brunt, announcing austerity measures to lessen the impact of fuel price hikes.
“Fifty percent staff in public and private entities will work from home,” he announced, adding this would not be applicable to essential services. “Offices will remain open for four days a week. One-day additional off is being given to conserve oil, but it would not be applicable to banks.”
Sharif didn’t specify working days of the week and the government was likely to issue a notification in this regard.
He said a decrease of 50 percent was being made in fuel allocation for government vehicles immediately for the next two months, but they would not include ambulances and public buses.
“Cabinet members, advisers and special assistants will not draw salaries for the next two months, 25 percent salaries of parliamentarians are being deducted, two-day salaries of Grade 20 and above officers, or those who are paid Rs300,000 ($1,067) a month, are being deducted for public relief,” he said.
Similarly, there will be 20 percent reduction in public department expenses and a complete ban on the purchase of cars, furniture, air conditioners and other goods, according to the prime minister.
Foreign trips of ministers and other government officials will also be banned along with government dinners and iftar buffets, while teleconferences and online meetings will be given priority.
“All schools will be off for two weeks, starting from the end of this week, and all higher education institutions should immediately begin online classes,” he said.
Sharif’s comments were aired hours after Pakistani authorities said the country had “comfortable levels” of petroleum stocks and the supply chains were functioning smoothly, despite intensifying Middle East conflict.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said three oil shipments were due to reach Pakistan this week, state media reported.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Navy (PN) launched ‘Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr’ to safeguard national energy shipments, the Pakistani military said on Monday, amid disruptions to critical sea lanes due to the conflict.
The navy is conducting escort operations in close coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing. It is fully cognizant of the prevailing maritime situation and is actively monitoring and controlling the movement of merchant vessels to ensure their safe and secure transit.
“With approximately 90 percent of Pakistan’s trade conducted via sea, the operation aims to ensure that vital sea routes remain safe, secure, and uninterrupted,” the ISPR said on Monday. “Currently, PN ships are escorting 2 x Merchant Vessels, one of which is scheduled to arrive Karachi today.”
