On one hand, our external sector displays flashes of promise as remittances continue to climb. On the other hand, the trade deficit is widening, foreign direct investment remains frustratingly elusive, political instability clouds the horizon, and terrorism tests our resilience. If Pakistan is serious about securing its economic future, then one thing is clear: it must revamp the export sector now.
In October 2025, the trade deficit surged about 56 per cent year-on-year to approximately $3.2 billion, as exports dipped and imports shot up. Over the first four months of FY26 (July-October 2025), exports fell roughly 4pc to around $10.45bn, while imports jumped some 15pc to about $23.03bn, leaving a cumulative trade gap of about $12.58bn.
Remittances ($13bn in July-October 2025) continue to offer relief, but they are neither sufficient to fill the trade deficit, nor can they substitute for t
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