Daily Times April 29, 2021 Owing to the government’s efforts, the fiscal deficit during the first eight months (July-February) of the current fiscal year has been contained at 3.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Despite higher mark-up payments and COVID-related expenditures, the fiscal sector continues to perform better as a result of the government’s efforts to maintain fiscal discipline,” says Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for April 2021. According to the report the first eight months of the current fiscal year witnessed an increase of 9.2 percent in net federal revenue receipts to reach Rs.2188 billion as compared to Rs.2003 billion last year. The total expenditures grew by 1.3 percent to Rs.4132 billion during July-February, FY2021 as compared to Rs.4079 billion last year. “Thus the fiscal deficit has been contained to 3.5 percent of GDP during July-February, FY2021,” the report adds. On the other hand, the primary balance posted a surplus of Rs.286 billion during July-February, FY2021 as against the balance of Rs.104 billion last year.