Connect with us

Pakistan

GDP to remain at 2.8%, inflation to drop to 15% in FY25: ADB report

Published

on


A labourer bends over as he carries packs of textile fabric on his back to deliver to a nearby shop in a market in Karachi on June 24, 2022. — Reuters

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank on Wednesday said that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to stand at 2.8% in 2025 coupled with a reduction in inflation which is likely to be at 15%.

In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024 report, the bank said the growth rebounded to an estimated 2.4% in the ongoing year due to reforms aimed at the nine-month  International Monetary Fund (IMF) Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) which contributed to improved foreign exchange reserve and restored bilateral and multilateral inflows bringing economic stability.

The report comes as Islamabad hopes to secure a fresh IMF bailout package amid the multi-faceted challenges faced by the incumbent government on the economic front.

Earlier, sources revealed that the IMF’s executive board is set to meet today wherein the Fund, as per Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, is expected to greenlight $7 billion, 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan.

Speaking on the country’s future, the ADB’s DB Country Director for Pakistan Yong Ye said that Islamabad’s economic prospects were closely tied to the steadfast and consistent implementation of policy reforms to stabilise the economy and rebuild fiscal and external buffers.

Furthermore, the report also links economic growth to adherence to the reform agenda.

“It is imperative that Pakistan continues to consolidate public finances, expand social spending and protection, reduce fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises, and improve the business environment to encourage growth led by the private sector,” said the ADB official while stressing the need for continued reforms.

Furthermore, the ADB pointed out that the inflation, which stood at 29.2% in 2023, has come down to 23.4 in the ongoing year and is expected to stand at 15% in FY25 due to “well-regulated monetary policy, reduced exchange rate volatility and stable outlook of international food prices”.

— ADB
— ADB

This shrink in inflation, as per the ADB, was primarily due to decline in food price inflation due to an increased agricultural production

The inflation rate remained high in the first half of the fiscal year compared to the second.

A decrease in inflation and other positive indicators led to a decline in interest rates, the report added.

Additionally, the bank predicts that the financial deficit during the current fiscal year may be up to 8% of the GDP and that an increase in the said indicator will bring down the country’s debt in proportion to the GDP growth.

Moreover, the outlook report highlighted that the burden of debt and interest payments has increased to 60% of the income revenue. However, it added that investment by the private sector will increase growth in the ongoing fiscal year.

Noting that the country was still facing an environment of tension economically and politically, the ADB called for strict financial regulation and the need to keep the exchange rate market-based.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

آپ کا ای میل ایڈریس شائع نہیں کیا جائے گا۔ ضروری خانوں کو * سے نشان زد کیا گیا ہے

Pakistan

Suzuki Alto price update for filers in Pakistan – September 2024 – Pakistan Observer

Published

on

By


LAHORE – People who regularly file their income tax returns can get a handsome discount in withholding tax paid while buying the Suzuki Alto vehicle in Pakistan.

The reduced WHT rate is charged by the government from filers as compared to non-filers as it aims at expanding tax net in the country.

Suzuki Alto offers a stunning blend of fuel-efficiency, modern looks and impressive performance, making it a top pick in Pakistan.

The aerodynamic design with unique lines and curves make the Suzuki Alto’s exterior vibrant. Spacious cabin, Mp5 touch screen and storage accessories ensure complete comfort for the users.

The aesthetically designed door panels and irresistible stylish back accentuated the richness of the sharp design as well as give the car a lively appearance.

All New Alto 660 cc is equipped with R-Series engine, it’s a three-cylinder petrol engine. Whether you are driving through streets full of traffic or cruising up the highway, this highly fuel-efficient engine provides you with the power, reliability, fuel economy and control you need.

Suzuki Alto Variants

There are four variants available in Pakistan – Alto VX, Alto VXR, Alto VXR-AGS, and Alto VXL-AGS.

Suzuki Alto Ex-Factory Rates from September 2024

The ex-factory price of Suzuki Alto VX stands at Rs2,331,000, VXR Rs2,707,000, VXR-AGS Rs2,894,000 while VXL-AGS variant is available for Rs3,045,000 in Pakistan, as of September 2024.

Suzuki Alto Price for Filers from Sept 2024

The Withholding Tax for filers on Alto VX stands at Rs11,665, making its price Rs2,342,655. Similarly, the price of VXR will reach Rs2,708,353 after imposition of Rs13,535 WHT.

Similarly, the Alto VXR-AGS will cost Rs2,908,470 after adding Rs14,470 to the ex-factory price.

The rate of VXL-AGD will reach Rs3,060,225 after including the WHT Rs15,225 for filers.

Continue Reading

Pakistan

GDP growth to reach 2.8%, inflation to drop to 15% in FY25: ADB

Published

on

By


A labourer bends over as he carries packs of textile fabric on his back to deliver to a nearby shop in a market in Karachi on June 24, 2022. — Reuters

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank on Wednesday said that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to stand at 2.8% in FY2025 coupled with a reduction in inflation which is likely to be at 15%.

In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024 report, the bank said the growth rebounded to an estimated 2.4% in the ongoing year due to reforms aimed at the nine-month  International Monetary Fund (IMF) Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) which contributed to improved foreign exchange reserve and restored bilateral and multilateral inflows bringing economic stability.

The report comes as Islamabad hopes to secure a fresh IMF bailout package amid the multi-faceted challenges faced by the incumbent government on the economic front.

Earlier, sources revealed that the IMF’s executive board is set to meet today wherein the Fund, as per Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, is expected to greenlight $7 billion, 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan.

Speaking on the country’s future, the ADB’s DB Country Director for Pakistan Yong Ye said that Islamabad’s economic prospects were closely tied to the steadfast and consistent implementation of policy reforms to stabilise the economy and rebuild fiscal and external buffers.

Furthermore, the report also links economic growth to adherence to the reform agenda.

“It is imperative that Pakistan continues to consolidate public finances, expand social spending and protection, reduce fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises, and improve the business environment to encourage growth led by the private sector,” said the ADB official while stressing the need for continued reforms.

Furthermore, the ADB pointed out that the inflation, which stood at 29.2% in 2023, has come down to 23.4 in the ongoing year and is expected to stand at 15% in FY25 due to “well-regulated monetary policy, reduced exchange rate volatility and stable outlook of international food prices”.

— ADB
— ADB

This shrink in inflation, as per the ADB, was primarily due to decline in food price inflation due to an increased agricultural production

The inflation rate remained high in the first half of the fiscal year compared to the second.

A decrease in inflation and other positive indicators led to a decline in interest rates, the report added.

Additionally, the bank predicts that the financial deficit during the current fiscal year may be up to 8% of the GDP and that an increase in the said indicator will bring down the country’s debt in proportion to the GDP growth.

Moreover, the outlook report highlighted that the burden of debt and interest payments has increased to 60% of the income revenue. However, it added that investment by the private sector will increase growth in the ongoing fiscal year.

Noting that the country was still facing an environment of tension economically and politically, the ADB called for strict financial regulation and the need to keep the exchange rate market-based.

Continue Reading

Pakistan

Famous tyre shops among 12 businesses sealed in Lahore’s Faisal Town – Pakistan Observer

Published

on

By


LAHORE – The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) continued operations against illegal commercial buildings and defaulters of commercialization fees in Lahore.
On Monday, LDA sealed more than 12 buildings in Faisal Town for illegal commercial use and not paying commercialization fees.
The sealed premises include famous tyre shops, private hospital, workshops and other businesses.
LDA Director Town Planning Zone-III Sidra Tabassum carried out the operations with the help of enforcement teams and Police.
According to the LDA officials, several notices were served to the owners of these buildings before the operations were carried out.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq has directed continuing indiscriminate operations against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fees defaulters in Lahore.

Butt Karahi Tikka, Apotek Pharmacy among 24 businesses sealed in Lahore

Continue Reading

Pakistan

Gold rates in Pakistan hit reverse gear – Check latest prices on Sept 23 – Pakistan Observer

Published

on

By


KARACHI – Gold rates in Pakistan on Monday witnessed a slight reduction amid downward trend in the international market.

According to Sarafa association, the per tola price of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs600 to settle at Rs271,900 from previous closing of Rs272,500 in Pakistan. The price of 10-gram gold also decreased by Rs471 to close at Rs233,110.

The price of precious commodity also dropped by $5 to settlet $2,617.

Gold Rates in Pakistan

Weight Price  Difference
Gold (per tola) 271,900 -600
Gold (per 10 grams) 233,110 -471
Previous Price (per tola) 272,000

On Saturyda, Gold prices moved up, reaching a whopping Rs272,500 per tola after single day rise of Rs500.

As per new rates shared by the Saraffa association, the price for 10 grams of gold jumped to Rs233,625, after a hike of Rs429. This surge followed a significant increase on Friday, when gold prices rose by Rs3,500, settling at Rs272,000 per tola.

Continue Reading

Trending