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{{Short description| |
{{Short description|2022-2024 economic crisis in Pakistan}} | ||
{{Infobox event | |||
| name = Pakistani economic crisis<br>(2022–2024) | |||
| image = Pakistani Inflation (FY23-24).svg | |||
| caption = The inflation rate in Pakistan between May 2023 and April 2024 | |||
| date = 2022 – 2024 | |||
| location = Pakistan | |||
| type = Economic crisis | |||
| cause = *Rising fuel prices due to ] | |||
*Excessive external borrowings | |||
*Poor governance | |||
*Low productivity per capita | |||
*Cost of living crisis, | |||
*] | |||
*Political instability | |||
*] | |||
| outcome = *Severe economic challenges, Rise in food, gas and oil prices, | |||
| casualties_label = | |||
| casualties = | |||
}} | |||
] in 2019-2020 and 2022 | ] in 2019-2020 and 2022 | ||
{{legend-line|#970E53 solid 3px|20 year}} | {{legend-line|#970E53 solid 3px|20 year}} | ||
Line 5: | Line 24: | ||
{{legend-line|#61D836 solid 3px|5 year}} | {{legend-line|#61D836 solid 3px|5 year}} | ||
{{legend-line|#929292 solid 3px|1 year}} | {{legend-line|#929292 solid 3px|1 year}} | ||
]] | ]] | ||
Pakistan has experienced an ] as part of the ]. It has caused severe economic challenges for months due to which food, gas and oil prices have risen. As of 24 November 2024 Pakistan inflation rate was 4.9% lowest in 6.5 years. | |||
The ] has caused fuel prices to rise worldwide. Excessive external borrowings by the country over the years raised the spectre of default, causing the currency to fall and making imports more expensive in relative terms. By June 2022, inflation was at an all-time high, along with rising food prices.<ref name="Tribune 2022">{{cite news |author=Talat Anwar |title=Economic crisis and default fear |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=12 June 2022 |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2361264/economic-crisis-and-default-fear |archive-date=14 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614131811/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2361264/economic-crisis-and-default-fear |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="arynews">{{cite web |title=Goods transporters suspend nationwide operations after fuel hike |newspaper=ARY News |date=16 June 2022 |url=https://arynews.tv/goods-transporters-suspend-nationwide-operations-after-fuel-hike/ |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616055034/https://arynews.tv/goods-transporters-suspend-nationwide-operations-after-fuel-hike/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Food prices soared by up to 30% in Pakistan: WB |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2370003/food-prices-soared-by-up-to-30-in-pakistan-wb?amp=1 |website=The Express Tribune |date=7 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=GWYNNE |first=DYER |title=Pakistan bound for crisis amid changed reality |language=en |work=Bangkok Post |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2542499/pakistan-bound-for-crisis-amid-changed-reality |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref> | |||
Poor governance and low productivity per capita in comparison with other low to middle-income developing countries have contributed to a ] crisis, where the country is unable to earn enough ] to fund the imports that it consumes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khawaja |first=Haroon |date=2023-02-27 |title=Beyond default — Iran via the US |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1739314 |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> Pakistan's economic crisis is the biggest crisis since its independence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-06 |title=Pakistan's Existential Economic Crisis |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/04/pakistans-existential-economic-crisis |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=Pakistan's economic crisis |url=https://www.brookings.edu/events/pakistans-economic-crisis/ |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
] per capita development in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh up to 2018]] | ] per capita development in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh up to 2018]] | ||
Pakistan's economic crisis was at the centre of a political standoff between Prime Minister ] and his predecessor ] earlier this year, which led to ] in April 2022. Sharif accused Khan of economic mismanagement and mishandling of the country's foreign policy, forcing him to step down in a no-confidence vote. | |||
According to Indian strategic affairs specialist Sushant Sareen, Pakistan has doubled its ] roughly every five years over the last 25-year period. Starting from a debt of ~{{PKRConvert|3.06|t}} at the beginning of ] regime in 1999, the debt stood at ~{{PKRConvert|62.5|t}} at the end of the ] government in 2022. While the debt grew at around 14 percent per year on average, the GDP was growing at only 3 percent per year on average. This led to an unsustainable debt burden. In the fiscal year 2022–23, the debt servicing obligations of Rs. 5.2 trillion exceed the entire federal government revenue.<ref name="Sareen">Sushant Sareen, , Observer Research Foundation, 6 February 2023.</ref> In 2022, Pakistan experienced a trifecta of challenges, as political unrest, an economic crisis, and destructive floods gripped the nation. Economically, the country is grappling with severe inflation, a declining currency, and critically low foreign reserves, posing significant concerns for its financial stability.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's economic crisis |url=https://www.brookings.edu/events/pakistans-economic-crisis/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Timeline== | |||
{{More citations needed|section below this notice|date=July 2022}} | |||
Information Minister ] told a news conference on 19 May 2022, that last month, Pakistan was committed to ''"controlling rising inflation, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the economy and reducing the country's dependence on imports"''. Import of unnecessary and luxury items was banned. Sharif had said at the time that the decision would "save the country's precious foreign exchange" and that Pakistan would have to "pursue austerity."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/417812-emergency-situation-in-a-first-complete-ban-imposed-on-non-essential-items-says-marriyum-aurangzeb |title='Emergency situation': In a first, complete ban imposed on non-essential items, says Marriyum Aurangzeb}}</ref> | |||
In the 2010s Pakistan's high domestic consumption and demand, ] rupee exchange rate, import-led growth, low inflation and increased government spending on infrastructure projects such as the ] (CPEC) led to a ], as the country's foreign exchange outflows increased rapidly.<ref>Multiple sources: | |||
In late May 2022, the government lifted the cap on fuel prices - a condition for advancing the long-stalled bailout deal with the ] (IMF). IMF also insisted Islamabad to raise electricity prices, ramp up tax collection and make sizeable budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan’s foreign policy reset hits a dead end |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/pakistans-foreign-policy-reset-hits-a-dead-end/ |publisher=The Australian Strategic Policy Institute |access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |title=Pakistan’s PML-N delivers economic growth, but at what cost? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2018/7/3/pakistans-pml-n-delivers-economic-growth-but-at-what-cost |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Mian |first=Atif |date=2018-07-29 |title=Why Pakistan is back in trouble with balance of payment |url=https://herald.dawn.com/news/1398616 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Herald Magazine |language=en}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title=An update of Balance of payment – Business Recorder |url=https://fp.brecorder.com/2018/02/20180213343434/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |language=en-US}} | |||
* {{Cite journal |last=Runde |first=Daniel F. |last2=Olson |first2=Ambassador Richard |date=2018-10-31 |title=An Economic Crisis in Pakistan Again: What’s Different This Time? |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/economic-crisis-pakistan-again-whats-different-time |journal=] (CSIS) |language=en}} | |||
</ref> This led to the ] approaching the ] (IMF) in October 2018;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan to seek bailout to overcome financial crisis |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2018/10/8/pakistan-to-seek-imf-bailout-to-overcome-financial-crisis |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> where it raised interest rates, depreciated the rupee<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Economic Tsunami |url=https://newslinemagazine.com/magazine/the-economic-tsunami/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Newsline |language=en}}</ref> and implementing tax measures in the ] to meet the preconditions of the IMF program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jamal |first=Nasir |date=2019-06-12 |title=Budget 2019-20: IMF hand clearly visible in budget proposals |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1487719 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> In June 2019 the Federal Government and IMF agreed on a $6 billion bailout package in a 39-month extended fund arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Dawn com {{!}} Khaleeq |date=2019-05-12 |title=Pakistan reaches agreement with IMF, to receive $6 billion over 3 years |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1481849 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> Analyst ] called it a "political blow" for the government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IMF deal a 'political blow' to PM Imran Khan – DW – 05/13/2019 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/fresh-imf-deal-a-political-blow-to-pakistan-pm-imran-khan/a-48719858 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> In January 2020 the IMF package was put on hold after Prime Minister ] "did not follow IMF recommendations to increase electricity prices and impose additional taxes."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistanis suffer under high inflation amid IMF negotiations – DW – 10/22/2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistanis-suffer-under-high-inflation-amid-imf-negotiations/a-59588727 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2021 the bailout program was resumed after Pakistan agreed to the withdrawal of subsidies and tax exemptions, an increased petroleum levy, an increased energy tariff and the auditing of Covid-19 relief money.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IMF revives $6BN bailout for Pakistan’s economy |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/11/22/imf-revives-6bn-bailout-for-pakistans-economy |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> | |||
After the government reintroduced fuel subsidies in February 2022, ] said "analysts say this could undermine the IMF programme weeks after it restarted."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parkin |first=Benjamin |last2=Bokhari |first2=Farhan |date=2022-03-22 |title=Pakistan: Imran Khan and the politics of inflation |url=https://www.ft.com/content/870369af-b673-4ce5-bd86-d89d28be4d40 |access-date=2024-12-25 |work=Financial Times}}</ref> ] reported ] said that the subsidy package was "announced as a 'bomb' to destroy the country's economy for the next administration".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=Business |title=Imran Khan's subsidies to destroy Pak's economy for next administration {{!}} INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY NEWS - Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/imran-khan-s-subsidies-to-destroy-pak-s-economy-for-next-administration-122032200105_1.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240226143942/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/imran-khan-s-subsidies-to-destroy-pak-s-economy-for-next-administration-122032200105_1.html |archive-date=2024-02-26 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en-US}}</ref> '']'' reported that the IMF was not "convinced" with the government's "justifications" for the amnesty scheme and relief package,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Khaleeq |date=2022-03-24 |title=Govt fails to convince IMF over amnesty scheme |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1681513 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> lead to the stalling of the $6 bailout package program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Khaleeq |date=2022-04-05 |title=Fund facility ‘virtually paused’ as IMF awaits new govt |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1683512/fund-facility-virtually-paused-as-imf-awaits-new-govt |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> | |||
Federal Minister for Planning and Development ] told reporters on 14 May 2022, that Pakistanis could reduce their tea consumption to "one or two cups" a day as imports were putting additional financial pressure on the government. "The tea we import is imported on credit," Iqbal said, adding that businesses should be shut down first to save electricity. According to the ], the South Asian nation of 220 million is the world's largest tea importer, having bought more than $ 640 million worth of tea in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/15/asia/pakistan-tea-economy-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Pakistanis told to drink less tea as nation grapples with economic crisis|first=Rhea|last=Mogul|date=June 15, 2022|website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/15/pakistanis-told-to-drink-less-tea-amid-economic-crisis|title=Pakistanis told to drink less tea to help fight economic crisis|first=Associated Press in|last=Islamabad|date=June 15, 2022|website=the Guardian}}</ref> | |||
During the ] of ] (PTI) increasing double-digit inflation led to growing political issues and deteriorating economic conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maryam |first=Hajira |date=25 March 2022 |title=Will Pakistan’s Inflation Crisis Bring Down Imran Khan? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/25/pakistan-inflation-imran-khan-no-confidence-vote/ |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Mubarak Zeb |date=2021-05-02 |title=Inflation in double digits again after 12 months |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1621555 |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> During the PTI period, Pakistan's total debt and liabilities increased by 80% while during three quarters of Fiscal Year 2021-22 the trade deficit rose 70% to $35.4 billion.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Corsi |first=Marco |title=Pakistan 2022: The geopolitics of Imran Khan’s fall and the fledgling government of Shehbaz Sharif |url=https://www.asiamaior.org/the-journal/17-asia-maior-vol-xxxiii-2022/pakistan-2022-the-geopolitics-of-imran-khans-fall-and-the-fledgling-government-of-shehbaz-sharif.html |journal=Asia Maior |chapter= |series=Asia in 2022: The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on local crises |volume=XXXIII |page=391}}</ref> Due to high oil prices in the international market, Pakistan's oil import bill increased by 95.9% to $17.03 billion in the last ten-months of the PTI government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Amin |date=2022-06-10 |title=Oil import bill almost doubled in last 10 months of PTI govt |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1694052/oil-import-bill-almost-doubled-in-last-10-months-of-pti-govt |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> In February 2022 Pakistan posted its highest ever monthly ] of $2.55bn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editorial |date=2022-02-26 |title=Highest deficit |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1677135/highest-deficit |access-date= |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> In 2021 '']'' said that the country's ] "almost doubled within three years" to Rs2.28 trillion "due to the government’s failure to stem systemic losses".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Shahbaz |date=2021-08-21 |title=Circular debt shoots up to Rs2.28tr in 3 years: ministry |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2316526/circular-debt-shoots-up-to-rs228tr-in-3-years-ministry |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> According to ], Pakistan's foreign reserves were built through a "flawed policy" of "heavier than ever reliance" on borrowing, ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=State of the economy |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40159485/state-of-the-economy |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref> On 9 April 2022, Imran Khan was ousted in a vote of no-confidence,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |last2=Baloch |first2=Shah Meer |date=2022-04-09 |title=Pakistan parliament ousts Imran Khan in last-minute vote |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/09/pakistan-on-brink-of-crisis-as-imran-khan-blocks-no-confidence-vote |access-date=2024-12-26 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> as the ] elected opposition leader ] as Prime Minister two days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaman |first=Nadim Asrar,Q |date=2022-04-11 |title=Pakistan latest updates: Sharif promises to tackle economy |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/11/pakistan-live-updates-parliament-set-to-elect-new-pm-liveblog |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> New finance minister ] said Pakistan would approach the IMF to resume the bailout package for "balance of payment support."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Khaleeq |date=2022-04-13 |title=IMF to be approached for help over balance of payments: Miftah |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1684769 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> Political instability worsened the country's economic condition; with rapid outflows from foreign reserves and currency devaluations soon after the arrival of the ], with the Rupee hitting an all-time low in May.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohamed |date=2023-04-05 |title=IntelBrief: Pakistan's Political Crisis Compounds Economic Distress |url=https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2023-april-5/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=The Soufan Center |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-19 |title=Pakistani rupee hits historic low of 200 against US dollar {{!}} Here's why |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/pakistani-rupee-to-inr-dollar-usd-pkr-all-time-low-200-1951299-2022-05-19 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> To qualify for resuming the IMF program, the government announced price hikes in fuel.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan hikes fuel prices to unlock IMF funding |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/imf-release-900-mln-when-pakistan-removes-fuel-price-caps-source-2022-05-26/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221227173852/https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/imf-release-900-mln-when-pakistan-removes-fuel-price-caps-source-2022-05-26/ |archive-date=2022-12-27 |access-date=2024-12-26 |work=Reuters |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Inflation in Pakistan rose to 21.3% in June, the highest since December 2008 when inflation stood at 23.3%.<ref name=P>{{cite web |title=Pakistan Inflation Hits 21.32% in June on Costly Oil |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-01/pakistan-inflation-accelerates-to-21-32-in-june-on-costly-oil |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=1 July 2022}}</ref> | |||
From June to October 2022, ] led to $40 billion in economic losses to the country,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-18 |title=Flood death toll reaches 1,545 |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/998913/flood-death-toll-reaches-1545/amp/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref> 33 million individuals were affected by the floods, 7.9 million were displaced and 10.5 million people faced acute food insecurity. More than 1.2 million livestock was killed, 13,000 km of road and bridges damaged, 9.4 million acres of crop land flooded, while UNDP reported 9 million individuals "at-risk of being pushed into poverty on top of the 33 million affected."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-06 |title=2022 Pakistan Floods |url=https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disasters/2022-pakistan-floods/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Center for Disaster Philanthropy |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Finance Minister ] said that a loan of $2.3 billion from a Chinese consortium of banks had been credited to the Pakistani central bank's account in late June.<ref>{{cite web |title=$2.3 bn Chinese loan credited to State Bank of Pakistan: Finance minister |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/2-3-bn-chinese-loan-credited-to-state-bank-of-pakistan-finance-minister-122062500105_1.html |publisher=Business Standard |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref><ref name=P /> | |||
==Timeline== | |||
{{Shehbaz Sharif sidebar}} | |||
=== 2022 === | |||
Information Minister ] told a news conference held on 19 May 2022, that Pakistan was committed to ''"''controlling rising inflation, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the economy and reducing the country's dependence on imports''"''. Import of unnecessary and luxury items was banned. Sharif had said at the time that the decision would "save the country's precious foreign exchange" and that Pakistan would have to "pursue austerity."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/417812-emergency-situation-in-a-first-complete-ban-imposed-on-non-essential-items-says-marriyum-aurangzeb |title='Emergency situation': In a first, complete ban imposed on non-essential items, says Marriyum Aurangzeb |archive-date=2022-06-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616062609/https://www.geo.tv/latest/417812-emergency-situation-in-a-first-complete-ban-imposed-on-non-essential-items-says-marriyum-aurangzeb |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In late May 2022, the government lifted the cap on fuel prices - a condition for advancing the long-stalled bailout deal with the ] (IMF). IMF also insisted Islamabad to raise electricity prices, ramp up tax collection and make sizeable budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan's foreign policy reset hits a dead end |date=13 July 2022 |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/pakistans-foreign-policy-reset-hits-a-dead-end/ |publisher=The Australian Strategic Policy Institute |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713024621/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/pakistans-foreign-policy-reset-hits-a-dead-end/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Federal Minister for Planning and Development ] told reporters on 14 May 2022, that Pakistanis could reduce their tea consumption to "one or two cups" a day as imports were putting additional financial pressure on the government. "The tea we import is imported on credit," Iqbal said, adding that businesses should be shut down first to save electricity. According to the ], the South Asian nation of 220 million is the world's largest tea importer, having bought more than $640 million worth of tea in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/15/asia/pakistan-tea-economy-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Pakistanis told to drink less tea as nation grapples with economic crisis|first=Rhea|last=Mogul|date=June 15, 2022|website=CNN|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616063610/https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/15/asia/pakistan-tea-economy-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/15/pakistanis-told-to-drink-less-tea-amid-economic-crisis|title=Pakistanis told to drink less tea to help fight economic crisis|first=Associated Press in|last=Islamabad|date=June 15, 2022|website=the Guardian|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616063610/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/15/pakistanis-told-to-drink-less-tea-amid-economic-crisis|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Inflation in Pakistan rose to 21.3% in June, the highest since December 2008 when inflation stood at 23.3%.<ref name=P>{{cite news |title=Pakistan Inflation Hits 21.32% in June on Costly Oil |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-01/pakistan-inflation-accelerates-to-21-32-in-june-on-costly-oil |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=July 2022 |archive-date=2022-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701094210/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-01/pakistan-inflation-accelerates-to-21-32-in-june-on-costly-oil |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Finance Minister ] said that a loan of $2.3 billion from a Chinese consortium of banks had been credited to the Pakistani central bank's account in late June.<ref>{{cite web |title=$2.3 bn Chinese loan credited to State Bank of Pakistan: Finance minister |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/2-3-bn-chinese-loan-credited-to-state-bank-of-pakistan-finance-minister-122062500105_1.html |publisher=Business Standard |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625041006/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/2-3-bn-chinese-loan-credited-to-state-bank-of-pakistan-finance-minister-122062500105_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=P /> | |||
] in summer cause over $30 billion dollars in economic losses in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan suffers over 30 bln USD loss to economy due to floods: minister |url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/pakistan-suffers-over-30-bln-usd-loss-to-economy-due-to-floods-minister/ar-AA14WutX |publisher=Xinhua |archive-date=2022-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207033346/https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/pakistan-suffers-over-30-bln-usd-loss-to-economy-due-to-floods-minister/ar-AA14WutX |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
At the end of March 2022, the ]'s reserves stood at $11.425bn, but they gradually tanked to an almost four-year low of $6.715bn on 2 December. Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves equal to just five weeks of merchandise imports.<ref name=D >{{cite web |title=Forex crisis deepens |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1725953/forex-crisis-deepens |website=Dawn |date=12 December 2022 |archive-date=12 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212061319/https://www.dawn.com/news/1725953/forex-crisis-deepens |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The consistent depreciation of the ] is said to be deepening the economic crisis.<ref>{{cite web |title='Pakistan in financial emergency' |date=6 December 2022 |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2389724/pakistan-in-financial-emergency |publisher=The Express Tribune |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206042451/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2389724/pakistan-in-financial-emergency |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of March, the rupee stood at 183.48 to $1. On 9 December 2022, it closed at 224.40.<ref name=D /> | |||
=== 2023 === | |||
In January 2023, Muhammad Aurangzeb, the CEO of Pakistan's largest bank, Habib Bank commented publicly on the prevailing economic situation that it could be a "big blow to the economy" if the stakeholders didn't make the right decisions swiftly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Alam |first1=Kazim |title=Systemic risk lurks ahead, says Habib Bank CEO |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1731730 |work=Dawn |date=15 January 2023 }}</ref> | |||
In late January, Pakistan lifted the artificial cap on its currency, causing the rupee to plunge 20% against the dollar in a few days. The government raised fuel prices by 16%. And the Pakistani central bank raised its interest rate by 100 basis points to battle the country's highest inflation in decades, expected to be as high as 26% in January.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-23 |title=Pakistan power cut: Major cities without electricity after grid breakdown |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64369144 |access-date=2023-06-16}}</ref> | |||
In February 2023, a Moody economist predicted that inflation in Pakistan could average 33% in the first half of the year 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bhat |first1=Swati |last2=Peshimam |first2=Gibran Naiyyar |date=2023-02-15 |title=Inflation in Pakistan could average 33% in H1 2023, says Moody's economist |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/inflation-pakistan-could-average-33-h1-2023-says-moodys-economist-2023-02-15/ }}</ref> China lent Pakistan further 700 million dollars to shore up Forex reserves.<ref>{{cite web |title=China lends Pakistan further $700 mln to shore up FX reserves |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/china-lends-pakistan-further-700-mln-shore-up-fx-reserves-2023-02-22/ |publisher=Reuters |date=22 February 2023}}</ref> Pakistan's ] (CPI) further jumped to 31.5%, the highest annual rate in 50 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's CPI soars to highest rate in nearly 50 years |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/3/1/pakistans-cpi-soars-to-highest-rate-in-nearly-50-years |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> Also Fitch downgrades Pak's sovereign credit rating from CCC+ to CCC-. The New York-based ratings agency warned that a default could be a "real possibility".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-08 |title=Fitch downgrades Pakistan's Issuer Default Rating {{!}} What happens if the country defaults on its debt |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/pakistan-economic-crisis-what-happens-if-the-country-defaults-on-its-debt-15889381.htm |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In March 2023, the food inflation rate in Pakistan witnessed a significant increase, with urban areas experiencing a rate of 47.1 percent and rural areas facing a slightly higher rate of 50.2 percent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-06 |title=Pakistan food crisis: People continue to fight over food, as death toll from stampede rises to 16 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/pakistan-food-crisis-people-continue-to-fight-over-food-as-death-toll-from-stampede-rises-to-16-16344631.htm |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}</ref> Moody's downgrades Pakistan's rating to Caa3; changes outlook to stable from negative. Finance Minister ] said that China approved a rollover of a $1.3 billion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan, which would help shore up its depleting foreign exchange reserves.<ref>{{cite news |title=China approves $1.3 bln loan rollover for Pakistan -finance minister |date=3 March 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/pakistan-expects-13-bln-financing-chinas-icbc-soon-2023-03-03/ |work=Reuters |access-date=4 March 2023 |last1=Shahzad |first1=Asif }}</ref> The ] further recorded the Consumer price index (CPI) for food items on a year on year basis at 45.1%, the second highest in ] after Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amin |first=Tahir |date=2023-03-16 |title=Consumer price inflation in Pakistan second highest in South Asia: World Bank |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40231735 |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref> The ] (CPI) raced to 35.4 per cent in the highest annual rise in prices on record, driven mainly by skyrocketing costs of food, electricity, beverage, and transport. The inflation number was the highest annual rate since available data - July 1965 - according to the research firm Arif Habib Ltd, and is expected to rise in the upcoming months.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raheel Raza: Pakistan is in crisis — and that should worry us all |url=https://nationalpost.com/opinion/pakistan-is-in-crisis-and-that-should-worry-us-all |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Nationalpost |language=en-CA}}</ref> | |||
On April 4, the ] projected about 4 million Pakistani people falling below the lower middle-income ($3.6/day ) poverty line amid economic growth plummeting to just 0.4% against a target of 5pc.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Khaleeq |date=2023-04-05 |title=Lenders trim Pakistan's growth forecast to 0.4pc |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1746007 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In May 2023, Pakistan's inflation rate reached 38%, surpassing Sri Lanka to become the highest country in Asia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2023-06-02 |title=Inflation in Pakistan surges to 38 pc, surpasses Sri Lanka's figure in May |url=https://theprint.in/economy/inflation-in-pakistan-surges-to-38-pc-surpasses-sri-lankas-figure-in-may/1608336/ |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
In June 2023, the Pakistani government unveiled an "Economic Revival Plan" according to which, plans on investments in key areas of production such as on agriculture, mining, Information Technology, defence and the energy sector were discussed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Sanaullah |date=2023-06-20 |title=At high-level meeting, govt unveils 'Economic Revival Plan' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1760813 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> PM Shehbaz Sharif also lauded China for assisting his country in the current economic crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amid IMF deal uncertainty, Pakistani premier lauds China for aiding struggling economy |url=https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/amid-imf-deal-uncertainty-pakistani-premier-lauds-china-for-aiding-struggling-economy-3665430 |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=Yeni Şafak |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
=== 2024 === | |||
The ] report in January believed that Pakistan's economy to face global challenges in 2024, modest GDP growth expected.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anwar |first1=Iqbal |title=Pakistan's economy to reel under global challenges in 2024, says UN report |date=6 January 2024 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1803607 |publisher=DAWN |access-date=6 January 2024}}</ref> | |||
Situation in Pakistan remains chaotic after the ], and economic data shows that Pakistan's economic crisis will continue. According to the ], the inflation rate stood at more than 29% in January. Pakistan also has to manage roughly $30 billion in annual external debt obligations, as its foreign currency reserves continue to fluctuate. As of Feb. 9, total liquid foreign reserves stood at $13.15 billion, having previously fallen to just $4.1 billion in June 2023. According to State Bank of Pakistan data, Pakistan requires $6.1 billion for debt servicing before the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Its current account deficit stands at $269 million, which could further exacerbate the projected deficit of $6 billion that the government expects, thereby complicating Islamabad’s ability to fulfil its debt obligations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Arsla |first=Jawaid |title=Pakistan's election and what's next? |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/pakistans-election-and-whats-next |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}}</ref> Mid-2024 figures from the country’s central bank and international bodies like the IMF paint a cautiously optimistic economic forecast.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abid |first1=Hussain |title=Is Pakistan's crisis-ridden economy finally recovering? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/6/12/is-pakistans-crisis-ridden-economy-finally-recovering |access-date=12 Jun 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> The Pakistani government predicts the inflation rate will remain between 12.5-11% in June–July. Inflation rate of Pakistan was 9.8% in August.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan Inflation Cools, Providing Room for More Rate Cuts |last1=Kamran |first1=Haider |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-02/pakistan-inflation-cools-providing-room-for-more-rate-cuts&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiLgquurMCIAxVUsFYBHY01IxoQFnoECAAQAg&usg=AOvVaw34NOIQ063yAYfGCtx7CN6s |website=Bloomberg |access-date=2024-09-11}}</ref> | |||
In 2024 ] upgraded Pakistan's credit rating to 'CCC+',<ref>{{Cite web |last=BR |first=Web |date=2024-07-29 |title=Fitch upgrades Pakistan rating to ‘CCC+’ |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40314874 |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref> while ] upgraded Pakistan to Caa2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=APP |first=Dawn com {{!}} |date=2024-08-28 |title=Moody’s upgrades Pakistan’s rating to Caa2; changes outlook to positive |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1855270 |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> In September the IMF also approved a $7 billion loan to Pakistan after an agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IMF approves $7bn funding agreement for Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/25/imf-approves-7bn-funding-agreement-for-pakistan |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In a September 30 article in '']'', it was noted that "oreign exchange reserves have strengthened from previously critically low levels, import and currency restrictions that hurt industrial activity have eased. Inflation has also cooled, helping monetary authority to lower borrowing cost by 450 basis points since June this year." While International bailouts "helped in stabilizing the country."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-30 |title=Pakistan’s Economy Expands 3.07% Buoyed by IMF Loan, Lower Rates |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-30/pakistan-s-economy-expands-3-07-buoyed-by-imf-loan-lower-rates |access-date=2024-10-01 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> According to the ] (PBS), Pakistan's GDP grew by 3.07% in Q4, ], primarily backed by agricultural (6.76%) and services (3.69%) growth. While industry (-3.59%) continued to decline, despite a rebound in Large-Scale Manufacturing growth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butt |first=Naveed |date=2024-10-01 |title=Agriculture posts 6.76pc growth in Q4FY24: NAC |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40324898/agriculture-posts-676pc-growth-in-q4fy24-nac |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In 2024 the ] ] benchmark rose almost 30%, reaching an all-time high of 82,003.59, drawing the highest foreign investment in the stock exchange ($87 million) since 2014. Attributed to ] rate cuts and a IMF loan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-19 |title=Pakistan Stocks Hit Record High After Biggest Foreign Buying in a Decade |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-19/pakistan-stocks-hit-record-high-after-biggest-foreign-buying-in-a-decade |access-date=2024-10-19 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
On October 1, it was reported that YoY headline inflation slowed to 6.9%, a 44-month low (since January 2021) as a result of "high base effect, declining global commodity and energy prices, and a stable exchange rate." As well as tight monetary policy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BR |first=Web |date=2024-10-01 |title=Lowest reading since Jan 2021: inflation in Pakistan clocks in at 6.9% in September 2024 |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40324938 |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2024-10-01 |title=CPI inflation clocks in at 6.9pc for September, marking 44-month low |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1862355/cpi-inflation-clocks-in-at-69pc-for-september-marking-44-month-low |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> The rupee (PKR) also started October with gains (]) against "all of the other major currencies" the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Oct 1, 2024 |title=Rupee Starts October With Gains Against All Major Currencies |url=https://propakistani.pk/2024/10/01/rupee-starts-october-with-gains-against-all-major-currencies/ |website=ProPakistani}}</ref> That month Pakistan also ended a four-year streak of outflows (totaling $1.4 billion) in Treasury Bills, earning $875 million. According to Bloomberg, Pakistan's stock became the "world’s best performer", increasing 73% in the past 12-months. Treasury Bill yields became some of Asia's highest, while foreign reserves rose to a two-year high.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-15 |title=Funds Tread Back to Pakistan Local Bonds as Economy Stabilizes |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-15/funds-tread-back-to-pakistan-local-bonds-as-economy-stabilizes |access-date=2024-10-19 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
Despite the decline in headline inflation, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) continues to remain elevated at an average of 319.79 base-level in October, with marginal increases and decreases in consumer food-stuff prices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2024 |title=SENSITIVE PRICE INDICATOR (SPI) FOR THE WEEK ENDED ON 17.10.2024. |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/price_statistics/weekly_spi/-SPI%20Executive%20Sumary%26SPI%20Report_17102024.pdf |website=]}}</ref> Continued price elevation, high electricity prices and additional taxes levied by the government have contributed to growing dissatisfaction and protests. Weak purchasing power and weak income growth have also contributed to continuing economic pains. According to Ali Khizar "new taxes will help tame inflation" while "economic slowdown will continue."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-08 |title=Protests Spread in Pakistan as Taxes Rise Under IMF Bailout |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-08/protests-spread-in-pakistan-after-taxes-rise-under-imf-bailout |access-date=2024-10-19 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Federal budget== | ==Federal budget== | ||
{{main|2022–23 Pakistan federal budget}} | {{main|2022–23 Pakistan federal budget|2023–24 Pakistan federal budget|2024–25 Pakistan federal budget}} | ||
On 10 June 2022, the government unveiled a new 47 billion ] to persuade the IMF to resume the 6 billion bailout deal, which was agreed upon by both sides in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/06/pakistans-new-budget-aims-to-please-the-imf/ |title=Pakistan's New Budget Aims to Please the IMF |archive-date=2022-06-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616014021/https://thediplomat.com/2022/06/pakistans-new-budget-aims-to-please-the-imf/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the IMF expressed dissatisfaction with the budget for 2023-24 submitted by Pakistani authorities two weeks before the bailout expired, which indicated that Pakistan would not receive its bailout.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahid |first=Ariba |date=2023-06-14 |title=IMF says Pakistan's 2024 budget a missed opportunity as loan deal deadline looms |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/imf-says-pakistans-2024-budget-missed-opportunity-loan-deal-deadline-looms-2023-06-14/ |access-date=2023-06-18}}</ref> On June 25 ] featuring new taxes, a raised the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), a lifting of all restrictions on imports and various expenditure cuts were presented to the National Assembly and accepted the next day. These came after talks between Prime Minister ] and IMF Managing Director ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-25 |title=Pakistan's Parliament Approves Revised Budget to Clinch IMF Deal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-parliament-approves-revised-budget-to-clinch-imf-deal-/7152118.html |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> ], who presented the Budget claimed that the new budget would "make our fiscal deficit much better", adding “I hope, God willing, that we will have an agreement with the IMF."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-24 |title=Pakistan changes FY2024 budget as dictated by IMF to clinch stalled funds |url=https://arab.news/2jgs4 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Arab News PK |language=en}}</ref> The new federal budget included an expenditure of Rs14.46 trillion, supported by a net revenue of Rs12,163 trillion, of which Rs5,276 trillion ], leading to Federal revenues of Rs6,887 trillion.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2023-06-09 |title='No new taxes' in Rs14.5tr FY24 budget presented by FM Dar |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1758817 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> The remaining expenditures were to be paid through privatization proceeds, external receipts, non-bank and bank borrowing (], PIBs, ]).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Federal Budget 2023-24 Budget In Brief |url=https://finance.gov.pk/budget/Budget_2023_24/Budget_in_Brief.pdf |website=]}}</ref>{{Rp|page=7}} The budget saw Rs7,303 trillion earmarked for debt repayment.<ref name=":1" /> The government in the revised budget would place the fiscal deficit at a targeted rate of 6.53% of the GDP or Rs. 7,505 trillion, with the Federal Government seeking to cover it with multilateral/bilateral sources, national saving schemes, government securities, commercial/Euro bonds, the GP fund and deposits and reserves.<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|pages=8–9}} Within the Federal Budget the raising of withholding taxes on supplies, contracts, services, commercial imports, increasing the rate of the General Sales Tax (GST) on Tier-1 Retailers from 12% to 15%, new taxes on cash withdrawals by non-filers, broadening of the Federal Excise Duty, and measures to stop the outflow of foreign currency were all included.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ڈار |first=اسحاق |title=نحمدہ و نصلی علی رسولە الکریم |url=https://finance.gov.pk/budget/Budget_2023_24/Speech_urdu_2023_24.pdf |website=]}}</ref>{{Rp|pages=32–36}} | |||
On 10 June 2022, the government unveiled a new 47 billion ] to persuade the IMF to resume the 6 billion bailout deal, which was agreed upon by both sides in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/06/pakistans-new-budget-aims-to-please-the-imf/ |title=Pakistan's New Budget Aims to Please the IMF}}</ref> | |||
Five days after the Federal Budget was first presented to the National Assembly, the IMF would approve its $3 Billion bailout for Pakistan on 30 June. Analysts said that the deal averted the threat of default hanging over the country. This following politically risky measures taken by the ] including raising taxes, reversing subsidies in power and export sectors, increasing energy and fuel prices, agreeing to a market-based currency exchange rate, cutting spending and revising the 2023-24 Federal Budget. Micheal Kugelman writing "Islamabad waited until the very final hour to take the (politically risky) fiscal policy steps that the IMF had been hoping to see for months. If it had taken those steps earlier, much of the drama and fraught negotiations of recent months likely wouldn't have had to play out."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-30 |title=Pakistan Gets IMF Approval for Crucial Short-term $3 Billion Bailout Loan |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-gets-imf-approval-for-crucial-short-term-3-billion-bailout-loan/7161608.html |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> The IMF would state that the FY24 Federal Budget was “in line with the goals of supporting fiscal sustainability and mobilising revenue, which will enable greater social and development spending”.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-06-30 |title=Pakistan secures critical $3bn nod from IMF in nick of time |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1762360 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> However the Budget has come under significant criticism from experts, analysts, and industrial figures, calling the targets in the budget unrealistic, with a lack of any real structural reforms while committing to populist election year policies during an economic crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiani |first=Khaleeq |date=2023-06-10 |title=BUDGET 2023-24: 'Populist' measures in trying times |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1758927 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2023-06-09 |title='Plain vanilla': Finance gurus weigh in on the 2023-2024 budget |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1758852 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shahid |first=Ariba |date=June 10, 2023 |title=Expert and industry views on Pakistan's Federal budget for FY24 |website=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/view-expert-industry-views-pakistans-federal-budget-fy24-2023-06-09/}}</ref> | |||
==Impact on industry== | |||
In October 2022, the ] (APTMA) announced that 1,600 garment mills were closed across the country due to withdrawal of power subsidies and, as a result, five million people lost their jobs.<ref>{{cite news |title=1,600 mills already shut: APTMA announces nationwide closure of textile factories |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/10/05/textile-producers-union-announces-nationwide-closure/ |date=5 October 2022 |work=Pakistan Today}}</ref> In December 2022, APTMA stated that mills across the country were running at less than 50% capacity utilization and textile exports could fall further from 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=APTMA rejects reports over closure of textile mills across Pakistan |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40216719 |work=Business Recorder |date=26 December 2022 }}</ref> | |||
A number of leading companies listed on the ] announced closure of plants. Car assemblers such as ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Inventory shortages force Pak Suzuki to extend plant closure |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/463448-inventory-shortages-force-pak-suzuki-to-extend-plant-closure |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=Geo }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Indus Motors shuts down production plant in Pakistan on delay in import approvals |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1727185 |work=Dawn |date=19 December 2022 }}</ref> and ],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shahid |first1=Ariba |title=Pakistan's Honda Atlas shuts production to end-March on import difficulties |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/pakistans-honda-atlas-shuts-production-end-march-import-difficulties-2023-03-08/ |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=Reuters |date=8 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref> whose production relies completely on parts imported from other countries, shut down ] after they failed to secure ] due to foreign exchange curbs imposed by the government.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cars, Tires, Textile Factories Have Shut in Crisis-Hit Pakistan |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-18/cars-tires-textile-factories-have-shut-in-crisis-hit-pakistan |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=18 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Other notable companies to shut factories due to low demand and poor economic conditions include ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Millat Tractors shut down for indefinite period on low demand, cash crunch |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/463118-millat-tractors-shuts-operations-for-indefinite-period-on-demand-cash-crunch |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=Geo }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ahmad |first1=Daniyal |title=Ghandhara Tyre announces plant shut down for February |url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/02/10/ghandhara-tyre-announces-plant-shut-down-for-february/ |work=Pakistan Today |date=10 February 2023}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news |title=One of Pakistan's largest textile companies, Nishat Chunian to partially suspend operations |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1728691 |work=Dawn |date=28 December 2022 }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim shuts down DAP plant amid economic downturn |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40216063 |work=Business Recorder |date=22 December 2022 }}</ref> | |||
Shortage of foreign exchange reserves and depreciation in ] created difficulties in importing ], leading to a temporary closure of Pakistan's largest petroleum refinery–], in February 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan's largest oil refinery shuts down |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/pakistans-largest-oil-refinery-shuts-down-580502 |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=The Business Standard |date=5 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan's oil industry on 'brink of collapse' as liquidity crunch worsens |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/468898-pakistans-oil-industry-on-brink-of-collapse-as-liquidity-crunch-worsens |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=Geo |language=en}}</ref> | |||
Delays in securing letters of credit resulted in ships and containers of pharmaceutical raw material, medicines and healthcare devices imported from other countries to be stuck at seaports for prolonged periods. Several pharmaceutical companies shut down due to "unaffordable cost of production". As a consequence, a shortage of medicines and equipment was reported across the country, forcing hospitals to postpone surgeries and treatment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan: Drug firms face shutdown amid economic crisis |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-drug-firms-face-shutdown-amid-economic-crisis/a-64861867 |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=Deutsche Welle |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=Pharma industry blames govt for 'lack of self-reliance' in medicine production |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1736634 |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=Dawn |date=12 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In April 2023, almost all of the country's 30 mobile phone assembly units, including three run by foreign brands, shut down, affecting 20,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-02 |title=Workers in peril as phone makers in Pakistan shut down operations |url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40030558 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Samaa |publisher=Samaa Web Desk |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In June 2023, ] announced that it would exit the Pakistani market by selling its entire 77.42% stake in ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Shell Plans to Sell Stake in Pakistan Unit Amid Economic Crisis |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-14/shell-plans-to-sell-stake-in-pakistan-unit-amid-economic-crisis |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=14 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
== International opinion == | |||
{{see also|National debt of Pakistan|}} | |||
Chinese officials blamed the West for Pakistan’s economic crisis,<ref>{{cite web |title=West behind Pakistan's economic crisis: China |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1045873-west-behind-pakistan-s-economic-crisis-china |publisher=News Agencies |access-date=3 March 2023}}</ref> and state media continues to talk about the strengths of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zhao Shiren |first=Consul-General of China in Lahore |date=2023-03-01 |title=Pak-China ties are beyond reproach |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1739728 |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> “Only China has given a full plan. From this perspective, it is the Western world that ‘abandoned’ Pakistan, and China is the one that extended a helping hand. And if Pakistan wants complete self-help, it cannot completely rely on China, it still has to fight for itself,” wrote Liu Qingbin, senior researcher at the China Digital Economy Institute.<ref name=a/> | |||
The US has expressed serious concerns about Pakistan’s debt to China. “We have been very clear about our concerns not just here in Pakistan, but elsewhere all around the world about Chinese debt, or debt owed to China,” said US State Department Counselor ] during his visit to Islamabad on 15 February 2023.<ref name=a>{{Cite web |last=Brar |first=Aadil |date=2023-03-01 |title=How are Chinese discussing Pakistan economic woes? State media quiet, social media buzzing |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/how-are-chinese-discussing-pakistan-economic-woes-state-media-quiet-social-media-buzzing/1407022/ |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Since the Gulf Arab states that have traditionally supported Pakistan are now unwilling to continue to provide economic assistance, outside analysis indicates that Pakistan can only seek further loan support from China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DAVID |first=BREWSTER |title=Why the Pakistan crisis spells trouble for our region |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-pakistan-crisis-spells-trouble-our-region |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=Lowy Institute |language=en}}</ref> Even though Islamabad may rely heavily on its bilateral partnerships with Gulf countries to secure a routine rollover of bilateral debt (and is likely to see some success on this front), its vulnerable external position will sustain concerns about a potential default and make it challenging to secure multilateral financing.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{Economy of Pakistan}} | |||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pakistan economic crisis, 2022-2024}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 08:37, 29 December 2024
2022-2024 economic crisis in PakistanThe inflation rate in Pakistan between May 2023 and April 2024 | |
Date | 2022 – 2024 |
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Location | Pakistan |
Type | Economic crisis |
Cause |
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Outcome |
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Pakistan has experienced an economic crisis as part of the 2022 political unrest. It has caused severe economic challenges for months due to which food, gas and oil prices have risen. As of 24 November 2024 Pakistan inflation rate was 4.9% lowest in 6.5 years.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused fuel prices to rise worldwide. Excessive external borrowings by the country over the years raised the spectre of default, causing the currency to fall and making imports more expensive in relative terms. By June 2022, inflation was at an all-time high, along with rising food prices.
Poor governance and low productivity per capita in comparison with other low to middle-income developing countries have contributed to a balance of payment crisis, where the country is unable to earn enough foreign exchange to fund the imports that it consumes. Pakistan's economic crisis is the biggest crisis since its independence.
Background
According to Indian strategic affairs specialist Sushant Sareen, Pakistan has doubled its national debt roughly every five years over the last 25-year period. Starting from a debt of ~Rs. 3.06 trillion (US$11 billion) at the beginning of General Musharraf regime in 1999, the debt stood at ~Rs. 62.5 trillion (US$220 billion) at the end of the Imran Khan government in 2022. While the debt grew at around 14 percent per year on average, the GDP was growing at only 3 percent per year on average. This led to an unsustainable debt burden. In the fiscal year 2022–23, the debt servicing obligations of Rs. 5.2 trillion exceed the entire federal government revenue. In 2022, Pakistan experienced a trifecta of challenges, as political unrest, an economic crisis, and destructive floods gripped the nation. Economically, the country is grappling with severe inflation, a declining currency, and critically low foreign reserves, posing significant concerns for its financial stability.
In the 2010s Pakistan's high domestic consumption and demand, pegged rupee exchange rate, import-led growth, low inflation and increased government spending on infrastructure projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) led to a Balance of Payments Crisis, as the country's foreign exchange outflows increased rapidly. This led to the Government of Pakistan approaching the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2018; where it raised interest rates, depreciated the rupee and implementing tax measures in the 2019–20 federal budget to meet the preconditions of the IMF program. In June 2019 the Federal Government and IMF agreed on a $6 billion bailout package in a 39-month extended fund arrangement. Analyst Michael Kugelman called it a "political blow" for the government. In January 2020 the IMF package was put on hold after Prime Minister Imran Khan "did not follow IMF recommendations to increase electricity prices and impose additional taxes." In 2021 the bailout program was resumed after Pakistan agreed to the withdrawal of subsidies and tax exemptions, an increased petroleum levy, an increased energy tariff and the auditing of Covid-19 relief money.
After the government reintroduced fuel subsidies in February 2022, Financial Times said "analysts say this could undermine the IMF programme weeks after it restarted." Business Standard reported Miftah Ismail said that the subsidy package was "announced as a 'bomb' to destroy the country's economy for the next administration". Dawn reported that the IMF was not "convinced" with the government's "justifications" for the amnesty scheme and relief package, lead to the stalling of the $6 bailout package program.
During the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) increasing double-digit inflation led to growing political issues and deteriorating economic conditions. During the PTI period, Pakistan's total debt and liabilities increased by 80% while during three quarters of Fiscal Year 2021-22 the trade deficit rose 70% to $35.4 billion. Due to high oil prices in the international market, Pakistan's oil import bill increased by 95.9% to $17.03 billion in the last ten-months of the PTI government. In February 2022 Pakistan posted its highest ever monthly current account deficit of $2.55bn. In 2021 The Express Tribune said that the country's circular debt "almost doubled within three years" to Rs2.28 trillion "due to the government’s failure to stem systemic losses". According to Business Recorder, Pakistan's foreign reserves were built through a "flawed policy" of "heavier than ever reliance" on borrowing, equity and swap arrangements. On 9 April 2022, Imran Khan was ousted in a vote of no-confidence, as the National Assembly of Pakistan elected opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister two days later. New finance minister Miftah Ismail said Pakistan would approach the IMF to resume the bailout package for "balance of payment support." Political instability worsened the country's economic condition; with rapid outflows from foreign reserves and currency devaluations soon after the arrival of the Shahbaz Sharif government, with the Rupee hitting an all-time low in May. To qualify for resuming the IMF program, the government announced price hikes in fuel.
From June to October 2022, floods led to $40 billion in economic losses to the country, 33 million individuals were affected by the floods, 7.9 million were displaced and 10.5 million people faced acute food insecurity. More than 1.2 million livestock was killed, 13,000 km of road and bridges damaged, 9.4 million acres of crop land flooded, while UNDP reported 9 million individuals "at-risk of being pushed into poverty on top of the 33 million affected."
Timeline
2022
Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb told a news conference held on 19 May 2022, that Pakistan was committed to "controlling rising inflation, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the economy and reducing the country's dependence on imports". Import of unnecessary and luxury items was banned. Sharif had said at the time that the decision would "save the country's precious foreign exchange" and that Pakistan would have to "pursue austerity."
In late May 2022, the government lifted the cap on fuel prices - a condition for advancing the long-stalled bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF also insisted Islamabad to raise electricity prices, ramp up tax collection and make sizeable budget cuts.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told reporters on 14 May 2022, that Pakistanis could reduce their tea consumption to "one or two cups" a day as imports were putting additional financial pressure on the government. "The tea we import is imported on credit," Iqbal said, adding that businesses should be shut down first to save electricity. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the South Asian nation of 220 million is the world's largest tea importer, having bought more than $640 million worth of tea in 2020.
Inflation in Pakistan rose to 21.3% in June, the highest since December 2008 when inflation stood at 23.3%.
Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said that a loan of $2.3 billion from a Chinese consortium of banks had been credited to the Pakistani central bank's account in late June.
2022 Pakistan floods in summer cause over $30 billion dollars in economic losses in Pakistan.
At the end of March 2022, the State Bank of Pakistan's reserves stood at $11.425bn, but they gradually tanked to an almost four-year low of $6.715bn on 2 December. Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves equal to just five weeks of merchandise imports.
The consistent depreciation of the rupee is said to be deepening the economic crisis. At the end of March, the rupee stood at 183.48 to $1. On 9 December 2022, it closed at 224.40.
2023
In January 2023, Muhammad Aurangzeb, the CEO of Pakistan's largest bank, Habib Bank commented publicly on the prevailing economic situation that it could be a "big blow to the economy" if the stakeholders didn't make the right decisions swiftly.
In late January, Pakistan lifted the artificial cap on its currency, causing the rupee to plunge 20% against the dollar in a few days. The government raised fuel prices by 16%. And the Pakistani central bank raised its interest rate by 100 basis points to battle the country's highest inflation in decades, expected to be as high as 26% in January.
In February 2023, a Moody economist predicted that inflation in Pakistan could average 33% in the first half of the year 2023. China lent Pakistan further 700 million dollars to shore up Forex reserves. Pakistan's Consumer price index (CPI) further jumped to 31.5%, the highest annual rate in 50 years. Also Fitch downgrades Pak's sovereign credit rating from CCC+ to CCC-. The New York-based ratings agency warned that a default could be a "real possibility".
In March 2023, the food inflation rate in Pakistan witnessed a significant increase, with urban areas experiencing a rate of 47.1 percent and rural areas facing a slightly higher rate of 50.2 percent. Moody's downgrades Pakistan's rating to Caa3; changes outlook to stable from negative. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that China approved a rollover of a $1.3 billion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan, which would help shore up its depleting foreign exchange reserves. The World Bank further recorded the Consumer price index (CPI) for food items on a year on year basis at 45.1%, the second highest in South Asia after Sri Lanka. The Consumer price index (CPI) raced to 35.4 per cent in the highest annual rise in prices on record, driven mainly by skyrocketing costs of food, electricity, beverage, and transport. The inflation number was the highest annual rate since available data - July 1965 - according to the research firm Arif Habib Ltd, and is expected to rise in the upcoming months.
On April 4, the World Bank projected about 4 million Pakistani people falling below the lower middle-income ($3.6/day ) poverty line amid economic growth plummeting to just 0.4% against a target of 5pc.
In May 2023, Pakistan's inflation rate reached 38%, surpassing Sri Lanka to become the highest country in Asia.
In June 2023, the Pakistani government unveiled an "Economic Revival Plan" according to which, plans on investments in key areas of production such as on agriculture, mining, Information Technology, defence and the energy sector were discussed. PM Shehbaz Sharif also lauded China for assisting his country in the current economic crisis.
2024
The United Nations report in January believed that Pakistan's economy to face global challenges in 2024, modest GDP growth expected.
Situation in Pakistan remains chaotic after the 2024 election, and economic data shows that Pakistan's economic crisis will continue. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the inflation rate stood at more than 29% in January. Pakistan also has to manage roughly $30 billion in annual external debt obligations, as its foreign currency reserves continue to fluctuate. As of Feb. 9, total liquid foreign reserves stood at $13.15 billion, having previously fallen to just $4.1 billion in June 2023. According to State Bank of Pakistan data, Pakistan requires $6.1 billion for debt servicing before the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Its current account deficit stands at $269 million, which could further exacerbate the projected deficit of $6 billion that the government expects, thereby complicating Islamabad’s ability to fulfil its debt obligations. Mid-2024 figures from the country’s central bank and international bodies like the IMF paint a cautiously optimistic economic forecast. The Pakistani government predicts the inflation rate will remain between 12.5-11% in June–July. Inflation rate of Pakistan was 9.8% in August.
In 2024 Fitch Ratings upgraded Pakistan's credit rating to 'CCC+', while Moody's Ratings upgraded Pakistan to Caa2. In September the IMF also approved a $7 billion loan to Pakistan after an agreement.
In a September 30 article in Bloomberg, it was noted that "oreign exchange reserves have strengthened from previously critically low levels, import and currency restrictions that hurt industrial activity have eased. Inflation has also cooled, helping monetary authority to lower borrowing cost by 450 basis points since June this year." While International bailouts "helped in stabilizing the country." According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan's GDP grew by 3.07% in Q4, FY24, primarily backed by agricultural (6.76%) and services (3.69%) growth. While industry (-3.59%) continued to decline, despite a rebound in Large-Scale Manufacturing growth.
In 2024 the Pakistan Stock Exchange's KSE-100 benchmark rose almost 30%, reaching an all-time high of 82,003.59, drawing the highest foreign investment in the stock exchange ($87 million) since 2014. Attributed to SBP rate cuts and a IMF loan.
On October 1, it was reported that YoY headline inflation slowed to 6.9%, a 44-month low (since January 2021) as a result of "high base effect, declining global commodity and energy prices, and a stable exchange rate." As well as tight monetary policy. The rupee (PKR) also started October with gains (appreciation) against "all of the other major currencies" the same day. That month Pakistan also ended a four-year streak of outflows (totaling $1.4 billion) in Treasury Bills, earning $875 million. According to Bloomberg, Pakistan's stock became the "world’s best performer", increasing 73% in the past 12-months. Treasury Bill yields became some of Asia's highest, while foreign reserves rose to a two-year high.
Despite the decline in headline inflation, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) continues to remain elevated at an average of 319.79 base-level in October, with marginal increases and decreases in consumer food-stuff prices. Continued price elevation, high electricity prices and additional taxes levied by the government have contributed to growing dissatisfaction and protests. Weak purchasing power and weak income growth have also contributed to continuing economic pains. According to Ali Khizar "new taxes will help tame inflation" while "economic slowdown will continue."
Federal budget
Main articles: 2022–23 Pakistan federal budget, 2023–24 Pakistan federal budget, and 2024–25 Pakistan federal budgetOn 10 June 2022, the government unveiled a new 47 billion budget for 2022-23 to persuade the IMF to resume the 6 billion bailout deal, which was agreed upon by both sides in 2019. However, the IMF expressed dissatisfaction with the budget for 2023-24 submitted by Pakistani authorities two weeks before the bailout expired, which indicated that Pakistan would not receive its bailout. On June 25 a revised Budget featuring new taxes, a raised the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), a lifting of all restrictions on imports and various expenditure cuts were presented to the National Assembly and accepted the next day. These came after talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Ishaq Dar, who presented the Budget claimed that the new budget would "make our fiscal deficit much better", adding “I hope, God willing, that we will have an agreement with the IMF." The new federal budget included an expenditure of Rs14.46 trillion, supported by a net revenue of Rs12,163 trillion, of which Rs5,276 trillion was transferred to the provinces, leading to Federal revenues of Rs6,887 trillion. The remaining expenditures were to be paid through privatization proceeds, external receipts, non-bank and bank borrowing (T-Bills, PIBs, Sukuk). The budget saw Rs7,303 trillion earmarked for debt repayment. The government in the revised budget would place the fiscal deficit at a targeted rate of 6.53% of the GDP or Rs. 7,505 trillion, with the Federal Government seeking to cover it with multilateral/bilateral sources, national saving schemes, government securities, commercial/Euro bonds, the GP fund and deposits and reserves. Within the Federal Budget the raising of withholding taxes on supplies, contracts, services, commercial imports, increasing the rate of the General Sales Tax (GST) on Tier-1 Retailers from 12% to 15%, new taxes on cash withdrawals by non-filers, broadening of the Federal Excise Duty, and measures to stop the outflow of foreign currency were all included.
Five days after the Federal Budget was first presented to the National Assembly, the IMF would approve its $3 Billion bailout for Pakistan on 30 June. Analysts said that the deal averted the threat of default hanging over the country. This following politically risky measures taken by the Sharif government including raising taxes, reversing subsidies in power and export sectors, increasing energy and fuel prices, agreeing to a market-based currency exchange rate, cutting spending and revising the 2023-24 Federal Budget. Micheal Kugelman writing "Islamabad waited until the very final hour to take the (politically risky) fiscal policy steps that the IMF had been hoping to see for months. If it had taken those steps earlier, much of the drama and fraught negotiations of recent months likely wouldn't have had to play out." The IMF would state that the FY24 Federal Budget was “in line with the goals of supporting fiscal sustainability and mobilising revenue, which will enable greater social and development spending”. However the Budget has come under significant criticism from experts, analysts, and industrial figures, calling the targets in the budget unrealistic, with a lack of any real structural reforms while committing to populist election year policies during an economic crisis.
Impact on industry
In October 2022, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) announced that 1,600 garment mills were closed across the country due to withdrawal of power subsidies and, as a result, five million people lost their jobs. In December 2022, APTMA stated that mills across the country were running at less than 50% capacity utilization and textile exports could fall further from 2023.
A number of leading companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange announced closure of plants. Car assemblers such as Pak Suzuki Motors, Toyota Indus, and Honda Atlas Cars, whose production relies completely on parts imported from other countries, shut down assembly plants after they failed to secure letters of credit due to foreign exchange curbs imposed by the government. Other notable companies to shut factories due to low demand and poor economic conditions include Millat Tractors, Ghandhara Tyre & Rubber Company, Nishat Chunian, and Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim.
Shortage of foreign exchange reserves and depreciation in Pakistani rupee created difficulties in importing crude oil, leading to a temporary closure of Pakistan's largest petroleum refinery–Cnergyico, in February 2023.
Delays in securing letters of credit resulted in ships and containers of pharmaceutical raw material, medicines and healthcare devices imported from other countries to be stuck at seaports for prolonged periods. Several pharmaceutical companies shut down due to "unaffordable cost of production". As a consequence, a shortage of medicines and equipment was reported across the country, forcing hospitals to postpone surgeries and treatment.
In April 2023, almost all of the country's 30 mobile phone assembly units, including three run by foreign brands, shut down, affecting 20,000 employees.
In June 2023, Shell plc announced that it would exit the Pakistani market by selling its entire 77.42% stake in Shell Pakistan.
International opinion
See also: National debt of PakistanChinese officials blamed the West for Pakistan’s economic crisis, and state media continues to talk about the strengths of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “Only China has given a full plan. From this perspective, it is the Western world that ‘abandoned’ Pakistan, and China is the one that extended a helping hand. And if Pakistan wants complete self-help, it cannot completely rely on China, it still has to fight for itself,” wrote Liu Qingbin, senior researcher at the China Digital Economy Institute.
The US has expressed serious concerns about Pakistan’s debt to China. “We have been very clear about our concerns not just here in Pakistan, but elsewhere all around the world about Chinese debt, or debt owed to China,” said US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet during his visit to Islamabad on 15 February 2023.
Since the Gulf Arab states that have traditionally supported Pakistan are now unwilling to continue to provide economic assistance, outside analysis indicates that Pakistan can only seek further loan support from China. Even though Islamabad may rely heavily on its bilateral partnerships with Gulf countries to secure a routine rollover of bilateral debt (and is likely to see some success on this front), its vulnerable external position will sustain concerns about a potential default and make it challenging to secure multilateral financing.
See also
- Economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
- 2021–2023 global energy crisis
- Sri Lankan economic crisis
References
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