Pakistan's fiscal deficit falls to 0.7% of GDP for the first time ever

Pakistan recorded a fiscal deficit of 0.7% of GDP in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025-26, the lowest in the country's history, down sharply from 2.6% in the same period last year.

The improvement comes alongside a current account surplus, marking a rare simultaneous narrowing of Pakistan's long-standing twin deficits.

What is Pakistan's fiscal deficit for 9MFY26?

Pakistan's fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.7% of GDP in July-March FY26, the first time in the country's history that the nine-month deficit has fallen below 1% of GDP.

The primary surplus, which excludes interest payments, stood at 3.2% of GDP, following a 3.0% surplus in the same period a year earlier.

What is driving Pakistan's fiscal improvement?

Revenue collection strengthened during the period, with both tax-to-GDP and total revenue-to-GDP ratios improving.

Officials attributed the gains to tax reforms, stronger enforcement, digitization initiatives, and improved fiscal administration aimed at broadening the tax base.

Economists view sustained primary surpluses as a key indicator of improving debt sustainability.

Government expenditures remained relatively contained despite elevated global inflation and sizable debt servicing obligations.

Current expenditures stabilized during the period while development spending was maintained to support economic activity.

Defense spending as a percentage of GDP also remained broadly contained, reflecting tighter expenditure management.

What this means for Pakistan's economy?

For years, Pakistan struggled with simultaneous fiscal and current account deficits that weakened foreign exchange reserves, pressured the currency, and fueled inflation.

The simultaneous improvement in both accounts in 9MFY26 has contributed to greater exchange rate stability, moderating inflation, and stronger reserve accumulation. Investor sentiment has also improved as macroeconomic indicators strengthened.

Pakistan re-entered international capital markets after a prolonged period of financial stress, while manufacturing activity, corporate profitability, foreign inflows, and IPO activity have all picked up.

Multilateral lenders, credit rating agencies, and foreign investors have increasingly acknowledged the country's improving fiscal and external indicators. Pakistan continues to implement economic reforms tied to its IMF stabilization program.

What risks remain to Pakistan's fiscal outlook?

Economists caution that sustaining the gains will require continued fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and political stability. Pakistan remains vulnerable to external shocks, global commodity price volatility, and domestic revenue constraints.

The latest fiscal performance marks one of the strongest macroeconomic turnarounds in recent years, but policymakers say long-term growth will depend on maintaining the current reform trajectory.