The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced Pakistan’s GDP growth projection to 3 per cent from 3.2 per cent, raising concerns for a country with a rapidly growing population.
Large-scale manufacturing shrank by 1.25 per cent in the first five months of the current fiscal year, while exports show signs of slowing.
The economy remains heavily dependent on foreign loans and external assistance.
Remittances provided a crucial buffer, rising to a record $8.8 billion in the first quarter of FY2025, according to The News International.
Such reliance on foreign creditors and expatriate salaries limits Pakistan’s ability to achieve sustainable economic growth.
IMF conditions add further pressure, requiring higher taxes, reduced subsidies, tighter budgets, and structural reforms.
Authorities must implement tough economic measures to attract foreign investment and reduce unproductive state-owned enterprises.
While stabilisation deserves recognition, a stable economy without robust growth, competitive businesses, or investment cannot remain resilient long-term.
The first half of the fiscal year saw a current account turnaround, a stronger and steadier rupee, lower inflation, and policy rate cuts.
Yet, lacklustre GDP growth remains a major concern, dampening overall economic performance.
Even the current account surplus and stabilising prices depend heavily on external support, particularly the IMF bailout last summer.
The surplus also coincided with the UAE’s decision to extend $2 billion in State Bank deposits for another year.
Analysts suggest that domestic policy alone cannot claim full credit for these improvements.
Pakistan faces a delicate balance. Fiscal and monetary stabilisation measures have stabilised key macroeconomic indicators.
However, without strong growth drivers, domestic industries, and sustained foreign investment, the economy remains vulnerable.
Policymakers must act decisively to convert short-term stabilisation into long-term prosperity while reducing dependence on external inflows.
Also Read: Pakistan ‘Addicted’ To IMF Bailouts Like A Drug Addict, Says Former Central Bank Official
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