Pakistan records a current account surplus of $100 mn
Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $100 million in November 2025, reversing a deficit of $291 million in October, but the modest improvement came despite a sharp decline in goods exports and was driven almost entirely by remittances sent by overseas Pakistani labourers who continue to receive little to no institutional support from the state.
Rather than reflecting a strengthening of export competitiveness or productive capacity, the surplus underscores Pakistan’s growing dependence on remittance inflows generated by migrant workers, many of whom face systemic hurdles, harassment, and mistreatment at the hands of immigration, labour, and enforcement authorities, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The surplus comes despite clear stress on the trade front. Goods exports declined on a year-on-year basis, reflecting price pressures, lack of interest of corporations, and competitiveness challenges faced by Pakistan’s export sectors. SBP data shows exports of goods during November stood at $2.27 billion, while imports amounted to $4.73 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.45 billion for the month. The deterioration in merchandise trade highlights the fragile nature of Pakistan’s recovery, with export momentum failing to keep pace with import growth.
PM seeks post IMF exit policy
The government has begun discussions to develop a credible strategy to permanently exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the expiry of the $7 billion bailout package, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated national efforts to build buffers and avoid any future program.
Government sources that a high-level meeting has recently taken place to determine whether Pakistan can sustain its economy in the absence of the IMF umbrella after September 2027, when the bailout package would come to an end.
In the absence of urgent reform measures that require building sufficient foreign exchange reserves and creating complete value chains for industries to enhance exports, Pakistan risks slipping into another program, according to an assessment by the Planning Commission. When contacted, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said, “Our recommendation was that if we are to make the current IMF program the last one, then we need to commit ourselves to $63 billion in exports by 2029; otherwise, we will face an external sector gap.”
Economic risks remain high
Despite relative calm on the policy front, Pakistan’s economy continues to face serious risks stemming from both global and domestic challenges, industry leaders warned on Wednesday, urging the government to act with realism, transparency and urgency to protect the fragile recovery achieved so far.
Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Patron-in-Chief Mian Sohail Nisar said that economic vulnerabilities remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions and unresolved local issues, while delays in reforms are increasing pressure on the system.
Pak–Mauritius trade far below potential
The High Commissioner of Mauritius, Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, has said Pakistan’s global image does not reflect the reality he observed during his visit, noting that the country is far more beautiful than portrayed and that he will work to present its positive image internationally. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, he made these remarks during a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Sehgal said Pakistan and Mauritius enjoy long-standing relations, but bilateral trade remains far below potential. He said both sides must work together to address the trade imbalance.
Government asks ADB for power sector debt support
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has sought the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) support in addressing power sector debt repayment challenges and in building confidence among private investors. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, Leghari met with a delegation of the ADB led by Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Central and West Asia Department.
Leghari briefed the delegation on key challenges facing the power sector. He highlighted constraints in financing, issues related to rupee cover and high upfront costs. He added that the government is engaging local investors through the Pakistan Business Council to attract private investment in the power transmission sector and improve market visibility.
Goods transporters’ strike chokes trade
The 10-day-long strike by goods transporters has brought import and export activities to a halt, leading to a buildup of imported containers at ports.
However, spokesmen for Karachi Port and Port Qasim have stated that port operations are continuing as normal and there has been no disruption to the arrival and departure of ships.
In contrast, All Pakistan Customs Agents Association Chairman Arshad Khurshid told that approximately 25,000 imported containers, including edible oil, industrial raw materials and other consumer goods, are awaiting onward transportation to their respective destinations at the two ports.
Chinese FinTech eyes SMEs, digital finance in Pakistan
Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Wednesday met a delegation of Fintopia China, a global FinTech enterprise, to discuss opportunities for strengthening digital financial services in Pakistan.
The minister reaffirmed that Pakistan and China remain iron-clad friends, and said cooperation in investment and technology-driven sectors continues to expand under the shared vision of both countries. Sheikh said Pakistan, as the world’s fifth most populous country, offers a large and attractive consumer market for FinTech and digital financial services.