KARACHI: New economic data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shows that the country’s current account deficit widened significantly in September, raising concerns about the balance of external payments.
According to the central bank’s latest figures, the current account deficit increased by 388% month-on-month in September, indicating growing pressure on Pakistan’s external account balance.
The data showed a substantial widening of the deficit compared with August. Economic analysts attribute the deterioration to higher import payments and a lack of significant improvement in exports, which affected the country’s external balance and contributed to the larger deficit.
Meanwhile, Pakistan recorded a cumulative current account deficit of $874 million during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026-27, covering the period from July to September.
According to the SBP data, the current account deficit during the first quarter increased by 16% compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Economic analysts warn that a persistent current account deficit could increase pressure on the management of external payments and foreign exchange reserves. Reducing the gap between imports and exports, while boosting export earnings, remains important for improving the country’s external account balance.
