Decline comes on speculation the currency will settle at Rs145 before IMF deal

Weakens to 142.50 against the US dollar in open market

Central bank says decision taken due to hike in POL prices, mounting fiscal deficit

Many research houses anticipate rise in policy rate while others expect no change

Output may be 24.8m tons against target of 25.6m tons as cultivated area shrinks

Timing of meeting crucial as central bank is to announce interest rate on Friday

World Bank notes that rupee-dollar exchange rate should be based on market system

Revises projection due to slowdown in agricultural growth, stabilisation measures

Much-needed inflows will help Islamabad make international payments

Experts say latest depreciation is in line with expectations