ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economy is projected to grow by 3.7 percent in the current fiscal year, according to the latest Economic Survey, which presents a mixed macroeconomic picture across key sectors of the economy.
The size of the national economy is estimated to expand to $452 billion, compared to $408 billion in the previous fiscal year, while per capita income has risen to $1,901, indicating gradual improvement in overall economic output.
Inflation is projected to average 6.7 percent during the fiscal year, reflecting continued price pressures despite relative macroeconomic stabilization.
Sector-wise performance shows a balanced but uneven recovery. The agriculture sector is expected to grow by 2.9 percent, industry by 3.5 percent, and the services sector by 4.1 percent, contributing to overall GDP expansion.
On the fiscal front, the budget deficit has narrowed sharply to 1.1 percent of GDP, compared to 3.2 percent in the corresponding period last year, while the primary surplus has strengthened to 3.5 percent of GDP, reflecting improved fiscal consolidation.
Revenue performance recorded notable improvement, with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax collections reaching Rs11,229 billion, while non-tax revenue stood at Rs4,633 billion during the period under review.
Credit flows to the private sector also showed expansion, rising to Rs987 billion, compared to Rs694 billion last year, while agricultural credit increased significantly to Rs2,458 billion, indicating stronger financial support to the agriculture sector.
External sector indicators, however, reflected renewed pressure, as the current account posted a deficit of $200 million during July–April, compared to a surplus of $1.7 billion in the same period last year.
Trade dynamics remained under strain, with exports declining 5.4 percent to $25.8 billion, while imports increased 8.5 percent to $52.8 billion, widening the trade imbalance despite improvements in fiscal and growth indicators.
