Govt sees fiscal deficit narrowing

Islamabad: The fiscal deficit is expected to narrow in the fiscal year 2024 from the previous year’s 7.9 per cent of gross domestic product, the federal govern-ment said in an economic report on Wednesday.
The government also said the current account deficit would remain within a sustainable limit and that Pakistan was gearing towards achieving “higher growth” of 3.5pc in FY24.
The government had earlier estimated the 2024 fiscal deficit at 6.54pc in its annual budget presented in June, which according to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar could further improve after new taxation of Rs215 billion, ahead of the country clinching a $3bn IMF deal.
Wednesday’s report said annual inflation had declined to 29.4pc in June down from 38pc recorded in May.
The IMF deal helped avert a near-default by Pakistan on its foreign debt due to an acute balance of payment crisis. –Agencies