At its meeting on 17th March 2020, the State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to cut the policy rate by 75 bps to 12.50 percent. The decision reflected the MPC’s view that the outlook for inflation has improved in light of the recent deceleration in domestic food prices, significant decline in consumer price expectations, sharp fall in global oil prices, and slowdown in external and domestic demand due to …
Read More »Coronavirus outbreak affects Pakistan’s economy
The analysis of economic survey of Pakistan FY2019 showed that the growth momentum of the Pakistani economy, at 5.5 percent in FY2018, became unsustainable because of growing macroeconomic imbalances i.e. high and rising fiscal and current account deficits. In Pakistan’s economy the twin deficits always persisted, however, in FY2018 trade deficit was historically high both in monetary value ($ 32 billion) and as a percent of GDP (10.1 percent), while the fiscal …
Read More »COVID-19 spread deepening economic fear
The governments and central banks world over readied more emergency measures to tackle the economic impact after spreading coronavirus on Friday, helping financial markets pare some of their steep losses, while more major events were canceled or postponed. US president even declared national emergency and set $50 billion fund to tackle the contagious disease. Till date (Friday March 14) about 138,000 people are affected worldwide and over 5,000 died, according to available …
Read More »Sehat Sahulat Plan at every nook and corner of Pakistan
The Analysis of Economic Survey of Pakistan FY2019 revealed that Prime Minister’s National Health Program (PMNHP) is a milestone towards reaching the goal of acquiring Universal Health Coverage by presently launched healthcare financing system ensuring access to medical health care in a swift and dignified manner without any financial obligations. Government of Pakistan is all set to enlarge PMNHP till 2022, to offer social health protection against most of chronic and debilitating diseases/health situations …
Read More »Pakistan’s telecom sector in the fast lane of growth
Though having the highest mobile penetration rate in South Asia, Pakistan still has huge potential in digital economy growth. Telenor Group recently released a new connectivity report based on five Asian countries where Telenor Group operates, including Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh. The report titled “The Mobile Effect: How Connectivity Enables Growth”, focuses on the impact of the telecom sector on the economies in the countries. The Telenor has …
Read More »Five factors to mar gdp growth
Pakistan is not likely to achieve more than 3 percent GDP growth during the current financial year. Economic growth of next financial year is also be marred because of formation of the new elected government and coming up with appropriate policies to turn around the economy. The issue of potential default has been overcome with the commitment of the IMF to provide US$5 billion under Extended Financial facility (EFF). …
Read More »Enhancing GDP size
Two of the common complaints are: 1) Pakistan’s GDP size is too small and 2) GDP growth also does not compare well keeping in view population growth rate. Over the years experts have been working on different options but little has been done to document the economy. According to some experts the size of documented economy is just one-fourth of the actual. On one hand this does not allow …
Read More »Concerted efforts needed to raise GDP in Pakistan
Pakistan GDP growth rate rose to 3.7 percent in 2012 from the previous year. Throughout the history from 1952 to 2012, GDP growth rate averaged 5.0 Percent reaching an all time high of 10.2 Percent in June of 1954 and a record low of -1.8 percent in June of 1952. Pakistan has a developing semi-industrialized economy that depend mostly on manufacturing, agriculture and remittances. In spite of the fact …
Read More »Contribution of agriculture in GDP
Agriculture is a predominant activity in most developing countries. As economic growth and development take place, importance of agriculture tends to decline according to the sources. The declining share of agriculture is, however, a slow phenomenon and is felt only over a relatively long time horizon. In Pakistan, the agriculture sector continues to be an essential component in the economy. It currently contributes 21 per cent to GDP. Agriculture …
Read More »Foreign investments in Pakistan – A perspective for 2012
FDI requires an enabling environment to ensure flow of funds and capital in different investment ventures. Investments are required in Pakistan for infrastructural development and industrial growth which would create jobs and translate into a higher GDP through enhanced production. The per capita income of Pakistan is only USD 1,254 considered low. The key is to eliminate poverty and increase reserves. With respect to the economic situation of Pakistan, …
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