Pakistan’s import bill increased by 14.3 percent to 17.8 billion dollars during July to September of fiscal year 2027, outpacing the 7.7 percent growth in goods exports, which reached 8.5 billion dollars. The widening trade gap pushed the current account deficit to 874 million dollars, compared with 755 million dollars in the same period last year, according to the Finance Division’s October Economic Update and Outlook. The report also shows the fiscal side under strain: the overall fiscal surplus narrowed to 0.8 percent of GDP, or 1.198 trillion rupees, from 1.7 percent a year earlier, as interest payments rose by almost 37 percent alongside greater development spending. On the positive side, Federal Board of Revenue tax collection grew 7 percent in the quarter to 3.086 trillion rupees, beating its target by 33.2 billion rupees, and the government pointed to its 3 billion dollar Eurobond issue in September as a sign of restored access to international capital markets. For ordinary readers, a wider current account deficit means Pakistan is again spending more abroad than it earns, which keeps pressure on the rupee and on reserves. Stronger tax collection helps, but the gap will only narrow if exports grow faster or imports slow. Sources: Business Recorder, Dawn (Finance Division report). Written in our own words for information only.