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Pakistan's Current Account Posts Strong Surplus in March
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Economy & Trade

Pakistan's Current Account Posts Strong Surplus in March

From Dawn · (2h ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Pakistan's current account recorded a significant surplus of $1.07 billion in March 2026.
  • This marks the third consecutive monthly surplus for 2026, indicating strengthening external accounts.
  • The surplus is attributed to reduced imports and increased remittances, signaling improved balance of payments stability.

Pakistan's external sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with the current account balance posting a substantial surplus of $1.07 billion in March 2026. This achievement, highlighted by the State Bank of Pakistan and Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad, marks the third consecutive monthly surplus for the year, underscoring a positive trajectory in the nation's balance of payments.

Current account balance recorded a surplus of $1,070 million in Mar 2026 compared to a surplus of $231 million in Feb 2026.

— State Bank of PakistanAnnouncing the current account balance figures for March 2026 on social media platform X.

The figures for March are particularly noteworthy, described as "among the strongest monthly outcomes on record" and the "second-highest ever" surplus, surpassed only by $1.2 billion in March 2025. This sustained surplus is a direct result of a significant reduction in imports, coupled with a steady inflow of remittances. Such performance is a crucial indicator of improving economic stability and Pakistan's growing capacity to manage its external financial obligations.

Pakistan’s external account continues to strengthen, delivering a third consecutive monthly surplus in 2026.

— Khurram SchehzadAdviser to the Finance Minister, commenting on the positive trend of Pakistan's external accounts.

While the current account deficit has historically been a persistent challenge for Pakistan's economy, the recent trend of consistent surpluses signals a positive shift. For the first nine months of the current fiscal year, the country has registered a current account surplus of $8 million, a stark contrast to the $1.674 billion surplus during the same period last year. This turnaround is a testament to the effectiveness of economic policies aimed at bolstering foreign exchange reserves and stabilizing the economy.

The figures for March were “among the strongest monthly outcomes on record”.

— Khurram SchehzadDescribing the significance of the March current account surplus.

Topline Securities further elaborated that the month-on-month increase in the current account surplus was driven by a lower deficit in goods and services trade, alongside higher remittance inflows. This multifaceted improvement in the external sector provides a much-needed boost to Pakistan's economic outlook, fostering greater confidence among investors and stakeholders. The strengthening external position is vital for long-term economic growth and development.

Pakistan’s external sector is firming up, with sustained surpluses signalling improving balance of payments stability.

— Khurram SchehzadHighlighting the positive implications of the consistent current account surpluses.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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