The Express Tribune speaks to experts in different sectors to assess outlook of economy
Pakistan has expectedly missed its GDP growth rate target in the outgoing fiscal year. PHOTO: INP
The economy had been under pressure for the past 12 months. While for some sectors 2020 had been a nightmare, for others it was a blessing in disguise.
It had been a year unlike any; while the services sector was battered by the pandemic, new businesses also emerged. Though the agriculture sector suffered due to lockdowns, locust attack and climate change, the construction sector and capital markets managed to finish the year on a positive note.
Wheat imports push down prices
Country has imported over 2m tons in past five months out of target of 3m tons
PHOTO: REUTERS
Karachi’s ports are flooded with over half a dozen vessels carrying wheat imported by the government and private sector as Pakistan has purchased over two million tons in the last five months out of the target of three million tons for the current fiscal year.
In line with the government strategy, the imports have helped reduce wheat and flour (quality No 2.5) prices in wholesale and retail markets in recent months. The development has also helped to ease inflationary pressure in the country.