Pakistan's economy grows 3.89 pct in Q2 of FY2025-26--China

ISLAMABAD, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's economy expanded by 3.89 percent in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, driven mainly by strong industrial performance, official data showed on Thursday.

The growth was led by the industry sector, which surged 7.40 percent, while services and agriculture grew by 3.69 percent and 1.76 percent, respectively, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The figures were approved at the 116th meeting of the National Accounts Committee, which also revised earlier growth estimates.

The committee updated the first quarter growth for fiscal 2025-26 to 3.63 percent, slightly down from the previously estimated 3.71 percent, due to downward revisions in agriculture and industry.

Agriculture growth for the first quarter was revised to 2.72 percent, while industry growth was adjusted to 8.86 percent. In contrast, services growth improved marginally to 2.44 percent.

On an annual basis, Pakistan's GDP growth for fiscal 2023-24 was revised to 2.62 percent from 2.63 percent, while fiscal 2024-25 growth was adjusted to 3.06 percent from 3.09 percent.

In the second quarter, the agriculture sector showed modest growth despite contractions in major crops, while livestock and related sectors posted gains.

Industrial growth was supported by large-scale manufacturing, which expanded 5.71 percent, alongside strong gains in construction and utilities.

The services sector also recorded steady growth, led by wholesale and retail trade, transport, finance, and public services.