pakistans external debt
|

Pakistan’s external debt rises by Rs1.24 trillio…

 

Pakistan’s external debt has started rising again after recording a decline during the first nine months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, with official data showing a sharp increase during the final quarter.

According to government documents, the country’s external debt increased by more than Rs1.24 trillion between March and June 2026. During the same three-month period, the government’s total debt rose by around Rs3.11 trillion, reflecting a significant increase in both external and domestic borrowing.

The data shows that the government’s domestic debt increased by more than Rs1.87 trillion from March to June 2026. As a result, total domestic debt reached approximately Rs59.44 trillion by June 2026.

Pakistan’s total external debt stood at around Rs22.96 trillion in March 2026. By the end of June, the figure had climbed to approximately Rs24.20 trillion, marking an increase of more than Rs1.24 trillion in just three months.

The latest increase reverses the downward trend recorded earlier in the fiscal year. Pakistan reduced its external debt by around Rs207 billion during the first three months of 2026. From June 2025 to March 2026, the country’s external debt declined by approximately Rs458 billion.

 

The largest increase during the latest quarter came from long-term external borrowing. Government figures show that long-term external debt stood at around **Rs19.72 trillion in March 2026**, but increased to approximately **Rs21.77 trillion by June**, representing an increase of more than Rs2 trillion.

In contrast, short-term external debt declined significantly during the same period. It fell by around Rs506 billion over the three months, partially offsetting the increase in long-term borrowing.

The figures indicate that while Pakistan had made progress in reducing its external debt earlier in the fiscal year, borrowing picked up considerably during the final quarter. The sharp rise in long-term external liabilities remains a key factor behind the overall increase in the country’s external debt.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Imran Khan’s sons renew concerns over father…

    The sons of former prime minister Imran Khan have once again expressed concern over their father’s health, saying they have been unable to receive reliable information about his condition due to continued restrictions on family access. Speaking in an interview with an international news outlet, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan said they have not been allowed to communicate with their father for several months and claimed that his family, lawyers and personal doctors have also been denied regular access. Kasim said the family has remained in the dark about Imran Khan’s health throughout his imprisonment. He referred to an Islamabad High Court order that directed authorities to facilitate regular phone calls, but claimed the arrangement has not been effectively implemented. The brothers, who were interviewed in London, also said they have been trying to travel to Pakistan but have faced difficulties related to travel documentation. According to them, their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) have expired, while visa-related issues have prevented them from visiting their father. The Ministry of Information, however, rejected the allegations, maintaining that the brothers possess NICOPs and therefore do not require visas to enter Pakistan. The ministry described their claims as misleading and said an administrative matter should not be turned into a political issue. The government did not comment on the brothers’ claim that their identity cards had expired. Asked whether Imran Khan might reach a political understanding with the government, both sons expressed doubt. Sulaiman said his father would be unlikely to agree to any arrangement that did not also address the situation of other political prisoners. Kasim added that the family’s inability to obtain updated medical information made it difficult to assess his father’s current health. The brothers also criticised the legal cases against the former prime minister, insisting the allegations were politically motivated. Kasim urged the international community to pay attention to the situation, claiming that his father remained imprisoned despite enjoying widespread public support. Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. He is also serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case and continues to face several other legal proceedings, including cases linked to the May 9 riots. His health has remained a point of dispute between the government and the opposition since he was diagnosed earlier this year with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), an eye condition affecting vision. Opposition leaders and members of his family have repeatedly demanded access for his personal doctors and called for his transfer to a private hospital for further treatment.

  • |

    Majority of Americans see Iran War as tougher than…

    A majority of Americans believe the ongoing war with Iran has proven more difficult than initially anticipated by the US administration, according to a new CBS News/YouGov poll, with 76% of respondents describing the conflict as “more challenging” than expected . The survey, conducted between July 22 and 24, found that only 20% of respondents felt the war had unfolded as anticipated, while a mere 4% believed it had been easier than expected . Public sentiment surrounding the conflict appeared largely unsettled. The poll showed that 58% of respondents felt uncertain about the situation, while 57% reported feelings of frustration . Additionally, 36% expressed pessimism, compared to just 19% who said they felt optimistic . The findings also suggested limited confidence in the US position, with only 22% of respondents believing Iran currently held the advantage in the conflict . The results highlighted growing public concern over the trajectory of the war, which has drawn in regional actors and intensified tensions across the Middle East . The poll comes as the Trump administration has warned of “strong military action” if Iran talks fail, while Tehran has continued to signal defiance . The conflict has also impacted broader regional dynamics, including the recent trilateral framework agreement involving Israel, Lebanon, and the US, as well as Iran’s stated conditions for ending the war .

  • | | |

    PM rebukes Islamabad chief commissioner, IG over i…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Pakistan has reprimanded Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) over their use of a ceremonial buggy during the Independence Day celebrations, describing the display as inconsistent with the principles and values expected from senior public servants. According to official advisories issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on August 17, the incident took place on August 14 during the Independence Day celebrations. Chief Commissioner Islamabad Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf and IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reportedly used a ceremonial carriage belonging to the Prime Minister’s House to attend and observe the parade.The Prime Minister himself was not present at the event. The use of the ceremonial buggy attracted public criticism, with concerns raised over what was perceived as an unnecessary display of protocol and privilege by senior government officials. In its advisory, the Prime Minister’s Office expressed serious displeasure over the incident and said the conduct created an inappropriate impression about the role of public servants. The office maintained that government officials are expected to uphold simplicity, humility and dignity rather than engage in displays of grandeur or personal prominence. The Prime Minister stated that the use of such protocol projected an image of privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement that was contrary to the basic ethos of public service. He stressed that government officers serve the public and should therefore avoid conduct that could undermine public confidence in state institutions. The advisory further warned that displays of excessive protocol and personal privilege by senior officials could damage the credibility of public institutions. It emphasized that officers occupying important administrative and law-enforcement positions are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and propriety. Following the Prime Minister’s directions, the Establishment Division issued a formal warning to the two officers through Joint Secretary (Discipline) Syeda Shafaq Hashmi. The directive called for an immediate end to practices involving unnecessary protocol, exhibitionism and self-promotion at official events. It instructed the officers to ensure that such conduct does not happen again and emphasized the importance of maintaining simplicity and dignity while performing official duties. The Establishment Division also directed that the advisory be followed strictly, both in letter and spirit. The warning serves as a reminder to senior civil servants that official positions come with significant responsibilities and require them to maintain appropriate standards of conduct in public. The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the special responsibilities of the Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad, who serve as the administrative and police heads of the federal capital. Given their positions, the public and government expect them to set an example through responsible governance, discipline and appropriate behavior. The episode has once again brought attention to the government’s emphasis on reducing unnecessary official protocol and promoting a culture of simplicity among public officials. The Prime Minister’s message was clear that public office should be associated with service, responsibility and accountability rather than privilege and ceremonial extravagance. The two officials have now been directed to ensure that similar displays do not recur at future official functions and to uphold the standards expected from senior government officers.

  • Thai-Cambodian Border Talks Begin in Chanthaburi Amid Ceasefire Hopes

    CHANTHABURI – Military officials from Thailand and Cambodia commenced high-level negotiations on Wednesday at the Ban Laem border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province, raising hopes for a formal ceasefire agreement. The talks, part of a four-day meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), are seen as a critical step toward ending weeks of hostilities along the […]

  • | | |

    DPM Dar boosts Pakistan-ADB partnership

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila on Wednesday to review the bank’s partnership with Pakistan and discuss ways to strengthen future cooperation. The visit took place on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, where Pakistan is participating in a series of high-level diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners. Upon his arrival at the ADB headquarters, Dar was welcomed by senior officials of the bank. He signed the visitors’ book before holding discussions on the institution’s evolving development agenda and its ongoing collaboration with Pakistan. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in several important sectors, including infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, education, economic reforms and sustainable development. Both sides also discussed future opportunities to support Pakistan’s economic growth and development priorities. Dar later attended a working luncheon hosted by Pakistan’s Executive Director to the ADB, Nashita Mohsin. The event was attended by Pakistani professionals serving in senior leadership positions across different departments of the bank. During the interaction, Dar appreciated the contributions of Pakistani professionals working at the ADB. He said their expertise and leadership have strengthened the institution’s work while enhancing Pakistan’s image at the international level. He also congratulated Nashita Mohsin on assuming her responsibilities as Pakistan’s Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank and expressed confidence that she would further strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with the institution. On the sidelines of the ASEAN forum, Dar also met Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman. The two leaders reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. Both sides welcomed the steady improvement in diplomatic ties and appreciated the growing engagement in trade, communication and people-to-people contacts. They noted that the launch of direct flights earlier this year has further improved connectivity and created new opportunities for cooperation. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations and agreed to continue close engagement in areas of mutual interest. Dar and Rehman also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including issues affecting South Asia and broader global challenges. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in promoting regional peace, stability and economic development. Earlier, Dar arrived in Manila with a Pakistani delegation to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting. During the visit, he is expected to attend the forum’s plenary session and hold several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from participating countries. The ASEAN Regional Forum brings together foreign ministers and senior diplomats from ASEAN member states and major global powers to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, energy security, food security, geopolitical developments and other international issues. Representatives from the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union are also participating in the meeting.

  • | | |

    AJK election polling ends, counting underway

    Polling for the second phase of the 2026 general elections to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly concluded on Sunday, with vote counting now underway across the contested constituencies. The election was held for eight constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in different cities of Pakistan. Polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad was postponed due to bad weather and landslides, while clashes in LA-31 left a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) worker dead. In Khawra, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Salahuddin Junejo and two party workers were injured in a firing incident. Voting began at 8:00 a.m. and was originally scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m. However, the AJK Election Commission extended polling by one hour in the Muzaffarabad Division due to a high voter turnout, allowing voters to cast their ballots until 6:00 p.m. More than 1.2 million registered voters were eligible to vote in the second phase of the elections. A total of 208 candidates contested nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division, which has 809,621 registered voters, while 143 candidates competed for the 12 refugee seats. Authorities established 1,483 polling stations across the Muzaffarabad region, with heavy security deployed at highly sensitive locations. Polling Postponed in LA-27 Although elections were scheduled in nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division, polling was held in only eight. The Election Commission postponed voting in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-II (Lachhrat) after severe weather and landslides disrupted access to several polling stations. Fresh polling in the constituency has been scheduled for August 4. Voting in some constituencies began late, while the PPP accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of electoral irregularities. The party’s election cell submitted formal complaints to the Chief Election Commissioner. Clashes and Violence A PPP worker, identified as Mushtaq Shah, was killed during clashes in LA-31. In Khawra, PPP MNA Salahuddin Junejo, who represents NA-210 Sanghar-II, suffered a gunshot wound to his arm during a firing incident. Two party workers were also injured and all three were shifted to hospital for treatment. In LA-29 (Muzaffarabad-III), polling was temporarily suspended after clashes erupted between supporters of the PML-N and the PPP. In LA-43 (Rawalpindi Valley-IV), PPP candidate Javed Butt reportedly entered the Millat Colony polling station accompanied by an armed guard. According to reports, the guard was not stopped by police personnel. Security and Key Contests Constituencies LA-28, LA-29, and LA-31 were declared highly sensitive due to security concerns. Closely watched contests included prominent political figures such as Shah Ghulam Qadir of the PML-N, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, and AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar. In the Rawalpindi Division, 35 candidates contested three refugee seats, representing 27,907 registered voters. Voting also took place in Karachi for two refugee constituencies representing Kashmir and Jammu. For security, around 4,000 police personnel were deployed. Out of 175 polling stations, 31 were declared sensitive. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 41 polling stations were established across 21 districts for LA-45 Kashmir Valley-VI, where 7,655 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *