Key indicators show strong growth as Pakistan moves towards economic transformation: Ahsan Iqbal

According to Business Recorder, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the economy has reached a steadier footing, and the next task is to convert that calm into durable growth under URAAN Pakistan. Presenting the August Monthly Development Update, he described the report as a regular and open account of economic standing, achievements and pending challenges. He added that the stability of recent years was earned through a painful period of adjustment.

Inflation slowed from 11.7% in May 2026 to 9.2% in July 2026, which he said shows price pressures beginning to ease. He linked much of the year-on-year movement to base effects and global food and energy prices. Workers' remittances climbed 13% to $3.6 billion in July 2026, compared with $3.2 billion a year earlier, following record inflows of $41.6 billion in the prior fiscal year.

Trade data for July 2026 also looked favourable, with goods exports up 9.4% to $3 billion and total goods and services exports rising to $3.9 billion. Imports of goods and services grew 13% to $7.3 billion, yet the current account deficit narrowed to $328 million from $529 million a year earlier. On the fiscal front, FBR collections rose 8.4% to Rs820.9 billion in July, while the fiscal gap for FY2025-26 measured 2.6% of GDP, the lowest in two decades.