ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade gap with the Middle East widened by 9.89 per cent to $11.731 billion during the first 10 months (July-April) of FY25 compared to $10.675bn in the corresponding period last year due to higher petroleum imports.

The swelling trade deficit is a cause for concern for policymakers, primarily due to the rising influx of petroleum products from the region. In contrast, exports are experiencing only minimal growth to a limited number of countries in the area, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Petroleum consumption has increased in the current fiscal year due to a 14.9pc rise in crude oil imports in 10MFY25 compared to the same period last year.

In FY24, the imbalance with the Middle East narrowed by 20.47pc to $13.014bn from $16.365bn in the preceding year, mainly........

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