ISLAMABAD: Every Pakistani citizen is, in effect, carrying a debt burden of over Rs 300,000, as public debt continues to rise at an alarming pace, according to the latest official figures.
The report shows that per capita debt increased by around 13% in the last fiscal year, reaching approximately Rs 333,000 per person. This means each citizen now carries about Rs 39,000 more debt compared to the previous year.
Overall public debt has surged past Rs 80.5 trillion, highlighting growing pressure on the country’s economy. Economists warn that the rising debt trajectory is becoming a serious concern for fiscal stability and long-term economic planning.
According to the data, Pakistan’s total public debt now stands at nearly 76% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at around Rs 127 trillion. Experts say this ratio reflects mounting financial strain on the economy and limits the government’s room to spend on development and public welfare.
To put the situation into perspective, economists compared the economy to a household: if Pakistan were a home earning Rs 127, its debt would already be Rs 76. This illustrates how tightly stretched the country’s financial position has become.
The report also highlights that the average annual income per citizen is around Rs 532,000. This suggests that a significant portion of an individual’s yearly earnings is effectively matched by the growing debt burden.
Official documents further reveal that total debt increased by Rs 7,533 billion in just one year, rising from Rs 89.774 trillion to Rs 97.307 trillion.
Economists caution that if the current pace of borrowing continues, the government may face increasing difficulties in managing fiscal discipline. They warn that development spending and social welfare programs could come under further pressure in the coming years unless structural reforms are introduced.
