External debt growth halted; debt-to-GDP ratio falls to 26pc
Business
The SBP Governor said that Pakistan’s debt-to-GDP ratio has fallen from 31% to 26%, reflecting better debt sustainability
KARACHI (Dunya News) – State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad has revealed that Pakistan’s external debt has not increased since 2022, marking a significant improvement in the country’s debt burden.
Speaking to the media, the SBP Governor said that Pakistan’s debt-to-GDP ratio has fallen from 31% to 26%, reflecting better debt sustainability.
He noted that between 2015 and 2022, external debt was rising by an average of $6.4 billion annually, but this trend has now reversed.
Despite an increase in imports, he said the current account remains under control, and for the ongoing fiscal year the deficit is expected to stay between 0% and 1% of GDP.
Jameel Ahmad further stated that remittances are expected to surpass $40 billion this year, compared to $38 billion received in the previous fiscal year.
Regarding financial inclusion, he highlighted that from November 2024 to October 2025, the target for women-focused financing was set at Rs50 billion, while SME financing has increased from Rs550 billion to Rs700 billion.
