ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $3.03 billion in foreign loans and grants during the first five months of the current fiscal year, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, largely due to improved external financing support.
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According to official data, inflows during July–November stood at $3.032bn, up from $2.667bn in the corresponding period of the previous year. November alone saw inflows of $511m, higher than October’s $471m but significantly lower than the $944m recorded in November last year.
Foreign loan disbursements accounted for the bulk of the inflows, rising by over 46 per cent to $2.521bn, while grants declined sharply by 43 per cent to $54m. The figures do not include a recently disbursed $1.2bn tranche from the International Monetary Fund, which will be reflected in subsequent data.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that $1.157bn of the total inflows were received for project financing, while $1.875bn came through non-project sources, including budgetary support and oil facilities. Pakistan also secured $500m under the Saudi oil financing facility during the period.
Multilateral lenders provided $1.258bn during the five months, slightly lower than last year, while bilateral inflows rose significantly to $808m. Meanwhile, inflows through Naya Pakistan Certificates reached $966m, surpassing the full-year target.
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The government has set a foreign inflow target of $19.9bn for the current fiscal year, relying on multilateral and bilateral lenders, international bonds, commercial loans, and time deposits from friendly countries to support economic stability.