The federal government has established a comprehensive three-year macroeconomic framework with ambitious targets to stimulate the national economy. The plan, issued by the Ministry of Finance, aims to increase the GDP growth rate to between 4.2% and 5.7% and significantly expand the country’s economy.
Key objectives include raising the national economy to Rs 162,513 billion, boosting total exports by over $10 billion, and increasing remittances to a record $44.82 billion.
According to the official framework, Pakistan’s exports are projected to grow from $44.83 billion to $55 billion over the next three years. This includes a target of $42.69 billion for goods exports and $12.24 billion for services exports, including the IT sector.
Remittances are also expected to see substantial growth, projected to reach $44.82 billion within three years, compared to the $39.43 billion estimated for the current fiscal year. The report also anticipates imports rising by $14.5 billion to $79.71 billion.
Read: World Bank Projects Pakistan’s GDP Growth at 3% for FY26
The government’s optimistic outlook contrasts with more conservative projections from international institutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Pakistan’s economic growth at 3.6% for the current fiscal year, with some reports suggesting the IMF staff’s view is even lower, between 3% and 3.5%, citing recent flood damage to agriculture.
The Pakistan government has already revised its initial 4.2% growth target down to 3.5% for the current year, while the World Bank forecasts 2.6% growth.
The IMF’s Executive Board is scheduled to meet in December and is expected to approve the third tranche of $1 billion for Pakistan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. An additional $200 million in climate financing is also anticipated. The staff-level agreement for this disbursement was finalised on October 15, with finance officials expressing confidence in its approval.