Pakistan Reports External Account Deficit After March Surplus; SBP Data Indicates Economic Pressure

• April 2026 current account shows $324M deficit
• March 2026 recorded $1.134B surplus
• External sector volatility continues
• SBP monitors balance of payments under BPM6
• Policy focus on trade and remittance stability

Pakistan’s external financial account has recorded a significant decline during April 2026, when the current account moved from surplus to deficit, which is being considered an important signal for economic policy.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the current account recorded a deficit of $324 million in April 2026 compared to a surplus of $1.134 billion in March 2026.

This change indicates a significant imbalance in the country’s external accounts within a short period of time, which highlights the need for monitoring and reforming economic policy.

According to officials, the current account situation is directly affected by the country’s imports, exports and remittances. Therefore, large changes in any month are linked to the situation in global markets and fluctuations in domestic demand.

Economists say that the deficit in April is a sign that external payments pressure persists and Pakistan’s economy still needs structural reforms.

According to the government’s economic team, various measures are underway in the country to increase exports, promote remittances and keep the import bill under control. The aim of these measures is to bring the current account back to stability.

Experts also say that while fluctuations on a monthly basis are normal, a persistent deficit could increase external fiscal pressures, which could impact foreign exchange reserves and the value of the currency.

The external account plays a key role in Pakistan’s economic policy, as it affects not only financial stability but also investment confidence.

According to policymakers, monitoring of external accounts will be further tightened in the coming months to prevent any potential fiscal pressures in a timely manner.