Forex trading has become one of the most popular investment opportunities in Pakistan, attracting both beginners and experienced traders. The forex market has an average daily trading volume of over $7 trillion. It never sleeps, but should you trade at any time? Not quite.
Knowing the forex trading time in Pakistan is important. Not all hours offer the same liquidity, volatility, or profit chances.
In this guide, Filsx will explain the forex market opening time in Pakistan and forex market closing time in Pakistan. We will discuss the importance of each global session. You will also learn the best hours to make profits and reduce risks.
Forex Market Hours in a Nutshell
The forex market runs 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. It starts on Monday morning in Sydney and ends on Friday night in New York. However, the activity level shifts across four major trading sessions:
- Sydney Session
- Tokyo (Asian) Session
- London Session
- New York Session
Since Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) is GMT+5, each session falls into a different local slot. Knowing these forex trading time in Pakistan helps traders align strategies with high liquidity periods.
Forex Market Opening and Closing Time in Pakistan
Here’s a breakdown of the global sessions converted into Pakistan Standard Time (PKT):
| Session | Opening (PKT) | Closing (PKT) | Major Currencies | Liquidity Level |
| Sydney | 03:00 AM | 12:00 PM | AUD, NZD | Low to Medium |
| Tokyo | 04:00 AM | 01:00 PM | JPY, SGD, HKD | Medium |
| London | 01:00 PM | 09:00 PM | GBP, EUR, CHF | High |
| New York | 06:00 PM | 03:00 AM | USD, CAD | High |
Session-by-Session Analysis
Sydney Session (03:00 AM – 12:00 PM PKT)
- Best for: Traders focusing on Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
- Market behavior: Lower liquidity; spreads may be wider.
- Pakistani relevance: Most Pakistani traders avoid this session because it happens late at night to early morning. They only trade AUD/USD or NZD/USD if they choose to participate.
Tokyo / Asian Session Forex Time in Pakistan (04:00 AM – 01:00 PM PKT)
- Best for: JPY, AUD, and Asian currency pairs.
- Market behavior: Moderate activity; often sets the tone for the day.
- Pakistani relevance: Suitable for early risers. Traders focusing on JPY or cross-Asian pairs benefit here.
London Session Forex Time in Pakistan (01:00 PM – 09:00 PM PKT)
- Best for: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CHF.
- Market behavior: Highest liquidity, tightest spreads, strong volatility.
- Pakistani relevance: This session fits well with Pakistan’s afternoon and evening hours. It is great for traders who want good opportunities without staying up late.
New York Session Forex Time in Pakistan (06:00 PM – 03:00 AM PKT)
- Best for: USD pairs, gold (XAU/USD), and oil.
- Market behavior: Extremely active, especially during London overlap.
- Pakistani relevance: Evening trading fits well with local routines. Many Pakistani traders prefer this session as it provides both liquidity and volatility.
Overlapping Sessions – The Sweet Spot
The time when London and New York overlap is from 5 PM to 9 PM PKT. This is the best forex trading time in Pakistan. Why?
- Maximum liquidity.
- Major economic announcements from the U.S. and Europe.
- Tight spreads = lower costs.
This 4-hour window often decides the day’s market direction, making it the prime time for Pakistani traders.
Factors Affecting Forex Market Timing in Pakistan
Economic News Releases
- U.S. Nonfarm Payroll (NFP) report, Federal Reserve announcements, ECB updates — all impact liquidity.
- Pakistani traders must sync with international economic calendars.
Liquidity Levels
- High liquidity means easier entry/exit.
- London + New York overlap gives the best mix of liquidity and volatility.
Personal Routine & Lifestyle
- London session fits a 9-5 worker’s schedule in Pakistan (post-office trading).
- New York session suits night traders.
Broker Execution Speed
- Local broker infrastructure also affects trade efficiency during busy hours.
Which Time is Best for Forex Trading in Pakistan?
The best forex trading time in pakistan is usually from 5 PM to 9 PM PKT. This is during the overlap of the London and New York markets.
- Ideal for major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY.
- Maximum volatility and tighter spreads.
- Works with the lifestyle of most Pakistani traders.
Common Mistakes Traders Make with Forex Timing
- Trading during low-liquidity hours (Sydney session in PKT).
- Ignoring news events (leading to sudden losses).
- Overtrading during volatile overlaps without risk management.
- Not aligning personal routine with optimal session.
Smart Tips from Filsx for Pakistani Forex Traders
- Use the overlap sessions to focus on high-probability trades.
- Follow an economic calendar (e.g., U.S. CPI, FOMC meetings, ECB press conferences).
- Apply stop-loss and risk management (never risk more than 1–2% per trade).
- Choose the right currency pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD during London; USD/JPY, USD/CAD during New York).
- Practice in demo accounts before trading live.
Conclusion
Understanding the forex trading time in Pakistan is crucial for success. The market is open 24 hours a day, five days a week. The London and New York sessions offer the best chances for Pakistani traders, especially when they overlap.
At Filsx, we suggest matching your trading schedule with these sessions. Stay updated on global economic news and use careful risk management. By mastering the right trading hours, you can maximize your profitability and trade smarter, not harder.
FAQs
Which time is best for forex trading in Pakistan?
The best time is 5 PM – 9 PM PKT, when the London and New York sessions overlap.
What is the timing of forex trading in Pakistan?
The forex market runs from Monday 3 AM PKT (Sydney open) to Saturday 3 AM PKT (New York close).
Is forex a 24-hour market?
Yes, forex is open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, but activity varies by session.
What is the 90% rule in forex?
The 90/90/90 rule states that 90% of traders lose 90% of their money in the first 90 days. This happens because of bad strategies and not managing risk well.