Unnecessary imports must be discouraged and export industries should be given relief
Quetta/Karachi : Syed Aman Shah, the Provincial Convener of Awaam Pakistan Party (APP) Balochistan, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the country’s external trade sector. Highlighting the economic implications, he stated that the 33% increase in the trade deficit during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026 poses a serious threat to economic stability.
Speaking to a delegation of traders, he pointed out that between July and September 2025, the trade deficit in goods surged by 32.9%, reaching $9.37 billion. Alarmingly, the deficit for September alone rose by 46%, totaling $3.34 billion — a highly concerning trend.
Syed Aman Shah warned that the widening trade deficit is severely damaging Pakistan’s economic landscape. If the current situation persists into the next quarter, the country’s foreign exchange reserves — currently sufficient for only three months of imports — will come under dangerous pressure. This could severely undermine the State Bank’s ability to meet external payment obligations.
Syed Aman Shah The Provincial Convener of the APP, Balochistan, urged the government to take immediate and concrete measures. These should include discouraging unnecessary imports, providing relief to exporters burdened by rising production costs, and reducing energy prices for export-oriented industries. He emphasized that the revival and advancement of the export sector is the only viable path to ensuring long-term economic stability and safeguarding foreign exchange reserves.
