Pakistan's GDP Growth Decline Raises Concerns
ECONOMY & POLICY

Pakistan's GDP Growth Decline Raises Concerns

Pakistan's economic landscape is currently experiencing significant turbulence, marked by a notable decline in GDP growth. According to recent reports released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country's GDP growth rate has plummeted to 1.5% in the fiscal year 2023-24, down from 3.9% in the previous year. This substantial downturn has raised concerns among economists and policymakers alike, pointing to underlying structural weaknesses and external pressures impacting the nation's economic stability.

Key factors contributing to Pakistan's economic slowdown include persistent inflationary pressures, fiscal imbalances, and a widening current account deficit. High inflation rates, hovering above 10%, have eroded purchasing power and strained household budgets, posing challenges for domestic consumption and investment. Furthermore, the government's struggle to manage fiscal deficits has resulted in mounting debt levels, limiting the capacity for proactive fiscal stimulus measures.

External factors, including geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties, have further exacerbated Pakistan's economic challenges. Regional instability, particularly heightened tensions with neighbouring India, has weighed on investor confidence and hindered efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt economic activities, posing additional hurdles to recovery and growth.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to implementing structural reforms aimed at revitalising the economy and fostering sustainable growth. The government has outlined a comprehensive reform agenda focused on improving fiscal management, enhancing revenue mobilisation, and promoting private sector participation. Initiatives to address energy shortages, streamline regulatory frameworks, and boost export competitiveness are also underway, aimed at bolstering long-term economic resilience.

However, the road to economic recovery remains fraught with obstacles, requiring concerted efforts from both government authorities and stakeholders across various sectors. Addressing structural impediments, fostering innovation, and prioritising inclusive growth are paramount to navigating the current economic downturn and laying the foundation for a more prosperous future for Pakistan.

Pakistan's economic landscape is currently experiencing significant turbulence, marked by a notable decline in GDP growth. According to recent reports released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country's GDP growth rate has plummeted to 1.5% in the fiscal year 2023-24, down from 3.9% in the previous year. This substantial downturn has raised concerns among economists and policymakers alike, pointing to underlying structural weaknesses and external pressures impacting the nation's economic stability. Key factors contributing to Pakistan's economic slowdown include persistent inflationary pressures, fiscal imbalances, and a widening current account deficit. High inflation rates, hovering above 10%, have eroded purchasing power and strained household budgets, posing challenges for domestic consumption and investment. Furthermore, the government's struggle to manage fiscal deficits has resulted in mounting debt levels, limiting the capacity for proactive fiscal stimulus measures. External factors, including geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties, have further exacerbated Pakistan's economic challenges. Regional instability, particularly heightened tensions with neighbouring India, has weighed on investor confidence and hindered efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt economic activities, posing additional hurdles to recovery and growth. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to implementing structural reforms aimed at revitalising the economy and fostering sustainable growth. The government has outlined a comprehensive reform agenda focused on improving fiscal management, enhancing revenue mobilisation, and promoting private sector participation. Initiatives to address energy shortages, streamline regulatory frameworks, and boost export competitiveness are also underway, aimed at bolstering long-term economic resilience. However, the road to economic recovery remains fraught with obstacles, requiring concerted efforts from both government authorities and stakeholders across various sectors. Addressing structural impediments, fostering innovation, and prioritising inclusive growth are paramount to navigating the current economic downturn and laying the foundation for a more prosperous future for Pakistan.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MoHUA Plans New Role for Smart City SPVs

In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued an advisory encouraging the continued use and repurposing of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). This marks a step toward sustaining urban transformation by leveraging institutional capabilities and infrastructure developed over the past decade.Initiated in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission introduced a new era of urban planning in India, with each of the 100 selected cities forming SPVs under the Companies Act, 2013. These entities, jointly owned by state government..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ADB Approves $110 Million Loan to Boost Skills in Gujarat

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 109.97 million (Rs 9.27 billion) results-based loan to support Gujarat’s efforts to become a global industrial hub by developing a future-ready, skilled workforce.The funding will back the Gujarat skills development programme, led by the Department of Labour, Skill Development and Employment in collaboration with Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU). The initiative aims to equip the workforce with advanced, industry-aligned skills to meet rising employment demand in high-growth sectors.According to ADB, the programme seeks to strengthen in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

SDAL Tests Rudrastra UAV and Bhargavastra Defence System

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed a key flight test of its indigenous Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range, aligning with Indian Army performance benchmarks for mission adaptability, high endurance, precision engagement, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.The trial marks a notable achievement in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, underscoring advancements in home-grown military technology. The Rudrastra UAV demonstrated a mission radius exceeding 50 km with uninterrupted video relay, a total operational range of over..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?