Government debt rises to Rs83.3 trillion by March, economic survey shows

Pakistan's total government debt rose to Rs83.285 trillion by the end of March 2026, registering an increase of Rs2.767 trillion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to the National Economic Survey 2025-26.

The survey, released ahead of the federal budget, showed that the government's debt stock continued to grow during the July-March period of FY2025-26.

According to the report, total government debt stood at Rs83,285 billion by March 2026, compared with the level recorded at the start of the fiscal year, reflecting an increase of Rs2,767 billion during the first three quarters.

The survey said domestic debt accounted for the largest share of the government's liabilities, reaching Rs57,566 billion by the end of March.

Meanwhile, external debt was recorded at Rs25,720 billion during the same period.

The report noted that domestic borrowing continued to constitute the majority of the government's overall debt portfolio, while external debt remained a significant component of public liabilities.

The figures were included in the National Economic Survey 2025-26, which provides an overview of Pakistan's economic performance and key fiscal indicators ahead of the presentation of the federal budget for the next financial year.

Reporter: Waqas Azeem