ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's currency has hit an all-time record low against the dollar, less than a week after the government reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $6 billion bailout.
The Pakistani rupee slid as much as 3.4 percent on May 16 before partially recovering to 145 against the dollar.
The currency has plunged more than 20 percent over the last year, as the country faced slowing economic growth, declining foreign-exchange reserves, and increasing budget and trade deficits.
The central bank devalued the rupee and raised interest rates in 2018 as it sought to contain the financial blowouts from the country's economic challenges.
The preliminary accord clinched with the IMF must still be approved by the fund's board of directors in Washington.
The long-delayed package, intended to shore up Pakistan's public finances and strengthen its economy, would be Pakistan's 13th bailout since the late 1980s.
Pakistan's Currency Hits Record Low Against Dollar

Editors' Picks
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Four Years On, UN Says Taliban Close To 'Erasing' Afghan Women From Public Life
2After Key Report On Afghanistan, State Department Says Taliban Was Keeping Aid
3Kabul's Quiet Resistance: Young Afghans Navigate Life Under The Taliban
4Bad Move: Taliban's Chess Ban Adds To Crackdown On Sports And Pastimes
5World Food Program Warns Of 'Unprecedented' Hunger Crisis In Afghanistan
6Russia Boosts The Taliban's Quest For Legitimacy. Who Will Be Next?
7UK Data Leak Spurs Costly Afghan Resettlement And Security Fears
8China Dangles Belt And Road Investment To Mend Taliban-Pakistan Ties
9Taliban Restrictions Blamed For Surge In Suicides Among Afghans
10Death Toll Rises As Heavy Rains Devastate Northwestern Pakistan
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.