ISLAMABAD: In a recent development, the former Minister of Finance, Miftah Ismail, has stated that Pakistan’s trade deficit has increased by 34% due to a decline in exports and a surge in imports.
Miftah on his social media platform X stated that according to recent data, exports dropped by $300 million or 4% in the first three months of the quarter, while imports rose by $2 billion or 14%. This imbalance has raised concerns about the country’s economic stability.
Experts attribute the decline in exports to high income and sales tax rates, electricity and gas prices, and inefficiency in governance.
Our exports in the first 3 months of this quarter are down by $300 mn or 4%, imports up by $2 bn or 14% and trade deficit up by $2.4 bn or 34%. This is worrying.
With income and sales tax rates some of the highest in the whole world, electricity and gas prices highest in the… pic.twitter.com/8fNahoZP9M
— Miftah Ismail (@MiftahIsmail) October 16, 2025
To address this issue, the government is urged to reduce the burden of its inefficiency and corruption on companies and people.
Key Statistics:
- Trade Deficit Increase: $2.4 billion or 34%
- Export Decline: $300 million or 4%
- Import Growth: $2 billion or 14%
The government needs to take measures to promote exports, control imports, and improve the business environment to stabilize the economy.
