Pakistan, June 6 -- Despite improved dollar inflows this year, importers in Pakistan are struggling to access foreign currency, leading to rising import costs and unofficial price hikes beyond official exchange rates. The shortage continues to create uncertainty in trade, even as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintains that no formal restrictions are in place.

According to banking sources cited by Dawn, only 20% to 30% of importers are currently allowed to buy dollars through banks. Although import data from May showed an 8% decline in imports and a 23% drop in the trade deficit, limited access to dollars has resulted in higher rates, forcing importers to pay more than the interbank price.

Currency dealers revealed that banks have be...