ISLAMABAD: Following the end of Imran Khan’s government, Pakistan’s national debt has seen a staggering increase of Rs32.5 trillion. Over the past three years as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), caretaker, and Shehbaz Sharif-led governments have pushed the country’s total debt from Rs43.5 trillion to Rs76 trillion.
According to the Economic Survey 2024–25 released on Monday, by the end of March, the total government debt had reached Rs76,007 billion. This includes Rs51,518 billion in domestic debt and Rs24,489 billion in external debt.
During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, the government paid Rs6,439 billion in interest on its debt. Of this, Rs5,783 billion was paid on domestic debt, while Rs656 billion was paid on external loans.
Within the same period, the government purchased securities worth Rs1 trillion. Additionally, Shariah-compliant Sukuk worth Rs1.6 trillion were issued.The Economic Survey also states that Pakistan received a total of $5.1 billion in external assistance during this period.
This included $2.8 billion from multilateral partners and $0.3 billion from bilateral partners. Moreover, $1.5 billion was raised through the Naya Pakistan Certificates, and $0.56 billion was borrowed from commercial banks. Under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, Pakistan received $1.03 billion in support.
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