Pakistani-American Economist Atif Mian talked about the severity of Afghanistan’s economic situation and said that the country is experiencing “mother of all sudden stops”. He said that the Taliban’s ascend to power will be not as easy as more than two decades ago when the economy was much stable.

The production of cotton in Punjab is expected to touch 4.5 million bales at an increase of approximately 8.5% from last year. Overall cotton production is expected to reach 8.46 million bales.

Trade deficit for the country rose, as the imports grew twice as fast as the growth in exports. The deficit for the month of August reached to an all time high of $4.05 billion, increasing 133.1 per cent year-on-year and 24.4 per cent month-on-month.

While the consumer price index inflation did not increase much compared to last month of July, it recorded a slightly higher increase on a year-on-year bases compared to August 2020. According to a recent government report the inflation is poised to reach 9 per cent due to monetary expansion and increasing prices in international market.

On the condition of implementation of economic reforms by the government, the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s Global sees Pakistan progressing on economic fronts. It has estimated that Pakistan’s foreign financing needs are covered for the next twelve months, with bilateral and multilateral inflows.

The federal cabinet of Pakistan under the presidency of Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the redemption of cash for the points earned by remitters under National Remittance Loyalty Programme from October onwards.

As lockdown lifts and Pakistan's manufacturing industries resume operations, investors express confidence and optimism regarding the country's business environment. Due to this, the OICCI upgraded Pakistan by 59pc in its survey.

The reforms will increase the normal limits on access to concessional financing by 34 percent, coupled with the elimination of hard limits on access for the poorest countries. This would increase the flexibility of funds disbursement according to the need of the related countries.

Circular debt, Pakistan’s bleeding wound has been the anathema to economic progress and social alleviation for many years. With the approval of the financial setoff mechanism for government-owned entities by ECC, circular debt may decline. Should we take it with a grain of salt or is there some weight in this?

Pakistan on the right track of economic development despite global challenges. However, if the hurdles are not handled tactfully, it may hamper the stability and growth rate of the economy, experts warn.

Now that most of the country's major banks have said yes to "YES," the program initiated by PM Imran Khan, it will be a positive incentive for the youth and those with ideas to start their businesses, which by extension could become significant contributors to Pakistan's economic growth and development.

World Bank trade expert argues that while Pakistan’s recent export recovery needs to be celebrated, the country is still very far from achieving its export potential. Postponing structural reforms conducive to that end have high opportunity costs in terms of long-term growth, job creation, and tax revenues.