Pakistan Trade Deficit Widens to $27.81 Billion in First Nine Months of FY26
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reports a 22.65% increase in the trade deficit during 9MFY26 as exports decline and import costs rise amid global pressures.
Pakistan Large-Scale Manufacturing Surges 10.5% in January 2026 Led by Auto and Garments
Pakistan’s LSMI output jumps 10.54% YoY in January 2026, with the automobile sector recording a massive 67% growth as industrial activity strengthens.
Digital Household Survey Highlights Sharp Provincial Gaps in Education, Health, and Basic Services Across Pakistan
Pakistan’s first digitally conducted Household Integrated Economic Survey reveals Punjab leading in education and health indicators, while Sindh and Balochistan lag in basic services.
PBS Launches Fully Digital HIES 2024–25 to Guide Pakistan’s Economic and Social Policies
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics launches the fully digital Household Integrated Economic Survey 2024–25, providing nationwide data to guide policymaking on education, health, income, and cost of living.
SECP and PBS Sign MoU to Enhance Data Sharing and Foster Digital Collaboration
SECP and PBS have signed a MoU to improve data sharing and collaboration, aiming to strengthen digital governance, enhance economic planning, and foster transparency through automated, secure information exchange.
FBR Entities PRAL and PSW Identified as Key Sources Behind $11 Billion Trade Data Discrepancy
The Ministry of Commerce and PBS informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce that PRAL and PSW were responsible for an $11 billion trade data discrepancy. The issue stems from procedural reporting gaps and not financial flows, with steps underway to strengthen coordination and improve data transparency.
Pakistan’s GDP Expands 3.04% in FY2025 as Economy Reaches $407 Billion
Pakistan’s GDP growth accelerated to 3.04% in FY2025, with improved performance in agriculture, industry, and services. The economy’s total size has now reached $407 billion, driven by upward revisions in national accounts and stronger output across key sectors.
IMF Presses Pakistan for Transparency Over $11 Billion Trade Data Discrepancy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over an $11 billion gap in Pakistan’s trade data, urging the government to publicly clarify discrepancies between figures reported by PRAL and PSW, amid growing doubts over the reliability of the country’s external sector statistics.
Aurangzeb Chairs Inaugural Inflation Steering Committee Amid Flood-Driven Food Price Pressures
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the first meeting of the newly formed Steering Committee on Inflationary Trends, focusing on rising food prices, disrupted supply chains, and strategies to protect vulnerable households following recent floods.
The Mirage of Moderation: Pakistan’s Inflation Story
Pakistan’s official inflation data shows a sharp slowdown, but for households struggling with food, fuel, and utility costs, the relief feels like an illusion. Disinflation hides a deeper crisis in measurement, policy, and lived experience.