A clear contradiction has surfaced between Pakistan’s official export ambitions and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projections, raising questions about the feasibility of the government’s long-term trade targets under the Uraan Pakistan initiative.
Under the government’s Uraan Pakistan program, authorities have set an ambitious goal to increase domestic exports by $60 billion over the next five years.
However, the IMF’s latest estimates paint a far more conservative picture, forecasting that Pakistan’s exports will grow by only $13.79 billion over the next four years, highlighting a substantial mismatch between policy claims and economic projections.
IMF outlook for Pakistan’s exports
According to IMF estimates, Pakistan’s total exports are expected to reach $36.46 billion in the next fiscal year.
Exports are projected to rise gradually to $40 billion in fiscal year 2027–28, around $43 billion in 2028–29, and eventually $46 billion by fiscal year 2029–30, well below the government’s stated ambitions.
The IMF also estimates that Pakistan’s total imports will increase by $18.7 billion by 2030, outpacing export growth.
Imports are expected to exceed $64 billion in the current fiscal year, rise to $66.86 billion in 2027, $72.90 billion in 2028, $77 billion in 2029, and reach $82.81 billion by 2030.
Trade balance concerns emerge
The widening gap between export and import growth raises concerns about Pakistan’s future trade balance and external financing needs.
Economists warn that without a faster expansion in export capacity, rising imports could place renewed pressure on foreign exchange reserves and the current account.
The contrast between the IMF’s cautious outlook and the government’s aggressive export targets has prompted analysts to question the practical execution of export-led growth strategies.
Experts note that achieving the Uraan Pakistan goal would require major structural reforms, diversification of export sectors, and sustained global demand — factors not fully reflected in IMF forecasts.
