Excluding provincial savings, the federal budget deficit jumped over Rs927 billion or 2.6% of GDP in the first half. The Rs796-billion budget deficit was equal to 54% of the annual target. The debt servicing is 55% of the annual budget earmarked for this purpose. PAC accuses PM of sabotaging parliament’s businessThe budget deficit and the current account deficit remain the two biggest challenges for Pakistan’s economy that overshadow the government’s economic performance in other areas. The federal government borrowed net Rs384 billion from foreign lenders and Rs412 billion from domestic sources to finance the budget deficit.

Source: The Express Tribune February 21, 2018 04:07 UTC