PBS revises import data by up to $30 billion, impacting GDP, to meet IMF conditions: report

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has reworked its import figures for both monthly and yearly periods, clearing discrepancies worth as much as $30 billion over a particular period, in line with IMF conditions. Profit reported, citing top officials quoted by The News, that the correction will have a considerable effect on Pakistan's GDP figures for that span. The Finance Ministry is analysing the findings, and an official indicated that they could be made public before the month closes.

The gap first emerged when PBS and State Bank of Pakistan figures showed a sharp mismatch. After the Prime Minister's Office noticed a problem in trade data with China, officials found that some tariff lines had gone uncounted by the PBS. Pakistan Single Window and other agencies then helped reconcile the numbers.

The IMF stepped in and asked the bureau for a comprehensive report by late August 2026. In its latest review document, the fund said the PBS would release revised import figures for each month and year, along with explanations, by that date. The next IMF assessment, tied to the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, is set for early September 2026.