Islamabad
The average debt owed by each Pakistani citizen has reached PKR 295,000, reflecting the country’s worsening financial situation due to a reliance on loans from international lenders. The total debt of Pakistan has increased by PKR 8.36 trillion in 2024, bringing the total to PKR 71.24 trillion. In comparison, last year’s total debt stood at PKR 62.88 trillion.
The country’s debt level now exceeds 67.2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The domestic debt has risen by PKR 8.35 trillion, bringing it to PKR 47.16 trillion, while the external debt now stands at PKR 33.06 trillion. Of this, the net government external debt amounts to PKR 21.75 trillion.
The debt owed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased by PKR 292 billion, taking the total to PKR 2.33 trillion. A significant portion of the domestic debt comes from federal government bonds, which account for PKR 32.8 trillion, with Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) exceeding PKR 28 trillion and Sukuk bonds totaling PKR 4.77 trillion. Prize bonds contribute PKR 345 billion to the debt.
Additionally, foreign currency loans within the domestic debt stand at PKR 374 billion, and the Naya Pakistan Certificates account for PKR 84 billion. The sharp rise in both domestic and external debt highlights the need for economic reforms and better financial management in Pakistan.
