ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economy is projected to grow by 3% in 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its World Economic Outlook Update released on Friday, as it painted a picture of a subdued global economy for the year ahead.
The IMF report forecasts global growth to remain modest at 3.3% in both 2025 and 2026, with advanced economies expected to see slower growth, while emerging markets, including Pakistan, poised to face a mixed recovery trajectory.
It warns of heightened economic policy uncertainty, particularly on trade and fiscal fronts, while mentioning that political instability in parts of Asia and Europe has rattled markets.
The report also cites geopolitical tensions in regions like the Middle East as a significant global challenge.
“Global growth is expected to remain stable, albeit lackluster. At 3.3 percent in both 2025 and 2026, the forecasts for growth are below the historical (2000–19) average of 3.7 percent,” the IMF said.
It noted in tabulated form that Pakistan’s GDP is expected to grow from 2.5% in 2024 to 3.0% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026, signaling a gradual recovery after a challenging period.
The IMF’s cautious global outlook reflected structural issues and external shocks that pose risks to different world economies.
Elevated policy uncertainty, fiscal imbalances and inflationary pressures have traditionally been significant concerns for Pakistan. Additionally, global financial tightening and geopolitical tensions have further strained Pakistan’s economy in the past since it heavily relies on imports and external funding.
However, the government has been implementing structural reforms in key areas like taxation, governance and energy management, aiming to improve long-term growth prospects.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has consistently emphasized the importance of adhering to IMF-mandated reforms under the $7 billion loan agreement signed last year. In September, he said that “our hand has been forced as a country” to take stringent measures to put the economy back on track.
The IMF report, based on the assumption of policy continuity, reflects a cautiously optimistic trajectory for Pakistan’s economy in 2025 and beyond.
IMF projects 3% growth for Pakistan in 2025 amid ‘lackluster’ global outlook
https://arab.news/jpv5m
IMF projects 3% growth for Pakistan in 2025 amid ‘lackluster’ global outlook
- IMF’s World Economic Outlook report forecasts global growth to remain modest at 3.3%
- Growth projections for Pakistan in the report signal a gradual recovery after a tough period
Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe
- Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
- The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.
Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.
The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.
“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.
