Pakistan’s debt-to-GDP ratio dropped to a six-year low of 70 percent in the financial year 2023-24, largely due to nominal GDP growth outpacing debt accumulation, driven by higher inflation rates.
State Bank of Pakistan Reports on External Debt and Liabilities
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s total external debt and liabilities saw a 3.4 percent increase, reaching $130 billion by June 30, 2024, compared to $126.142 billion the previous year. Public external debt, excluding foreign exchange liabilities, also saw an uptick, rising by $2 billion to $86 billion in FY24.
Impact on External Debt-to-GDP and Export Ratios
Despite the increase in external debt, the external debt-to-GDP ratio improved, declining from 32 percent in the same period last year. This reduction is attributed to slower growth in foreign currency borrowings. However, the external debt-to-export ratio remains a concern, standing at 253 percent, although this marks an improvement from the peak of 314 percent observed in FY20.
Outlook on External Debt Servicing
External debt servicing as a percentage of foreign exchange reserves stood at 195 percent for FY24, with projections indicating a decrease to 89 percent in FY25. Overall, the significant drop in Pakistan’s debt-to-GDP ratio to 70 percent in FY24 reflects the impact of higher inflation on nominal GDP growth.
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