IMF Seeks Explanation from Pakistan Over $11 Billion Trade Data Discrepancy in Two Years

ISLAMABAD: The **International Monetary Fund (IMF)** has sought clarification from **Pakistan** regarding a **trade data discrepancy of nearly $11 billion** over the past two fiscal years.

According to media reports, the issue came up during the **second biannual economic review talks** currently underway between the IMF and Pakistan. The IMF noted that there was a **$5.1 billion gap** in trade data for **FY2023-24**, and the discrepancy further **increased to $5.7 billion** in **FY2024-25**, based on figures from the **Pakistan Single Window** and **automation systems**.

The IMF has urged Pakistan to **rectify and publicly release** the corrected trade data to ensure transparency.

Officials briefed the IMF that the **Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)** data system has **not been updated since 2017**, leading to **underreporting of foreign imports**. The briefing further revealed that the **largest discrepancies** were found in the **textile sector (around $3 billion)** and **metal imports (around $1 billion)**.

Experts warned that **data corrections** could have a **significant impact** on Pakistan’s **economic growth estimates** and **export performance indicators**.