KARACHI: The US currency stood firm against the rupee in the inter bank market on the back of better demand from import sector. The dollar closed steady at Rs 104.40 for buying and Rs 104.60 for selling. It traded at a day high of Rs 104.42 and a low of Rs 104.38. It gained 10 paisas. A treasurer at local bank said the decision of State Bank of Pakistan to make payments remained the major factor for local currency depression. SBP has also tightened some rules regarding foreign exchange management to check outflows and stabilise the domestic currency. Bankers said the local currency might gain further in the short-term. But in the long-term it could remain under pressure unless oil prices fall substantially and inflows of foreign exchange rise. The euro gained 40 paisas to close at Rs 117.27 for buying and Rs 117.51 for selling. The pound sterling lost strength by 40 paisas to close at Rs 151.55 and Rs 151.79 for buying and selling respectively. Kerb Market: The dollar gained strength owing to the trend in the inter bank market. The dollar closed at Rs 105.50 for buying and Rs 105.75 for selling. It gained 03 paisas in the open market. The demand in the open currency market from the corporate and common buyers remained positive, thus putting some pressure on rupee. The rupee is expected to get support in the coming days because the demand of rupee rises to a great extent.