# How gold is priced in Pakistan and why the local rate differs from the international one

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/business/how-gold-prices-in-pakistan-are-quoted-and-why-they-differ-from-the-world-rate)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 9 Sept 2026
Updated: 15 Sept 2026
Retrieved: 15 Sept 2026

> Per tola, per 10 grams, 24k vs 22k, the Sarafa rate is derived from the world price, the rupee, and a local premium that widens when supply is tight.

Pakistan quotes gold **per tola** (11.664 g) and **per 10 grams**, in 24-karat and 22-karat. The All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association publishes daily rates for Karachi and Lahore.

## The derivation

Local rate ≈ (international spot price per ounce ÷ 31.1035 × 11.664) × USD/PKR + local premium.

The premium reflects import duties, dealer margins and short-term demand, it is highest in wedding season and around Eid.

## Zakat and gold

Gold held for a lunar year is zakatable at 2.5% of its value under the majority view. The [Zakat Calculator](/tools/finance/zakat-calculator) uses today's rate and lets you switch between gold and silver nisab.

Searchable logs the daily Sarafa rate on the [gold hub](/e/gold).

## Sources

- All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA)

How to cite: "How gold is priced in Pakistan and why the local rate differs from the international one", Searchable, 15 Sept 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/business/how-gold-prices-in-pakistan-are-quoted-and-why-they-differ-from-the-world-rate