Pakistan's quiet resilience in first quarter of FY27

Pakistan’s economy showed resilience in the first quarter of FY27, with foreign exchange reserves rising to $21.5 billion and exports increasing 11% to $11.2 billion, The Express Tribune reported. The article says reserves were up 52% year on year, while the rupee gained 1.5% and import cover improved from 2.2 to 3.3 months.

Other indicators also strengthened: remittances grew 14% to $10.9 billion, IT exports increased 18% to $1.25 billion, and foreign direct investment rose 20% to $720 million. The piece also cites an IMF staff-level agreement for $1.2 billion, a 12% policy rate, and a 55% rise in stock market investors to more than 656,000.

The article notes that four companies listed during the quarter, raising Rs4.6 billion, while car sales rose 28% and cement and petroleum sales expanded. It cautions that higher prices continue to burden households and says reforms will need to continue for the improvement to endure.