ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Economic Survey 2025-26 has once again highlighted a key structural weakness in the country’s economy: the continued failure to build a strong export-driven growth model.
According to the survey, net exports remained in negative territory during the fiscal year, indicating that imports continued to exceed exports. The figures underscore the urgent need to expand export capacity, diversify export products and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
The survey noted that trade openness, measured by the combined value of exports and imports as a share of GDP, stood at around 30 percent. While this reflects engagement with global trade, it also points to significant untapped potential for deeper integration into international markets through stronger export performance.
Meanwhile, the exchange rate remained largely stable throughout the year. The Pakistani rupee was recorded at Rs280.65 against the US dollar, compared with Rs279.35 a year earlier, reflecting a modest depreciation of just 0.5 percent.
Economists have long argued that sustainable economic growth will remain difficult unless Pakistan shifts towards an export-based economy that generates foreign exchange and reduces dependence on imports.
