Pakistan’s import pressure increased sharply as the current account deficit jumped to $733 million in four months. The deficit rose 256 percent compared to last year, showing serious weakness in external stability. Imports of goods and services climbed fast while foreign direct investment dropped 26 percent. Experts warned that political decisions and rising consumption, not industrial growth, caused this dangerous import pressure.
Analysts said the import surge was driven by items that do not earn dollars. Petroleum and transport goods increased consumption instead of supporting production. Costly sugar imports raised local prices instead of fixing shortages. Subsidised electric buses created new financial risks and raised concerns about long-term recovery. These decisions increased the country’s import pressure without improving economic strength.
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Reserves reached only $14.6 billion, leaving little space to handle external shocks. Short-term financing added more risk to the economy. Experts warned that a shift in global liquidity or weaker remittances could hurt the rupee. They said Pakistan kept importing for comfort and politics while exports remained weak. This imbalance pushed the import pressure to unsafe levels.
Specialists urged the government to adopt strict, merit-based import controls. They suggested import permits to protect reserves and reduce unnecessary spending. They pushed for value-added exports like packaged pulses instead of raw produce. Incentives for industries that convert raw materials into high-value products could boost dollar earnings. Such steps would help balance the rising import pressure.
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Experts concluded that the country must link import rights to export performance. A transparent digital evaluation system could reduce politically motivated imports. Strong political will is needed to weaken import lobbies and protect external stability. They warned that ignoring early signs could harm long-term economic control. Pakistan must lower its import pressure to avoid deeper financial trouble.