US Tops Global Debt List While Pakistan Remains in the Billions
A recent report by World Population Review has revealed the global debt rankings, placing Pakistan at 33rd with a national debt of $260.8 billion. While the figure may seem high, Pakistan’s debt level is significantly lower compared to major economies like the United States, which leads the list with a massive $32.9 trillion in national debt—equivalent to nearly $76,000 per American citizen.
In comparison, India ranks 7th in the world with a total debt of $3 trillion, averaging $504 per citizen. China follows the US in second place with $15 trillion, while Japan ranks third with $10.9 trillion. Other top debt-holding nations include the UK and France (each at $3.4 trillion), Italy ($3.1 trillion), Germany ($2.8 trillion), Canada ($2.3 trillion), and Brazil ($1.8 trillion).
Despite its ranking, Pakistan’s per capita debt stands at a relatively modest $543, lower than many nations with far larger economies.
Pakistan Lags Behind Muslim-Majority Peers in Debt Figures
Among Muslim-majority countries, Pakistan’s debt is also comparatively lower. Indonesia leads this category with a national debt of $543 billion, followed by Egypt at $377 billion, Turkey at $330 billion, Saudi Arabia at $280 billion, and Malaysia at $278 billion.
Neighboring Bangladesh, despite having a smaller economy, holds $177.6 billion in debt, with a per capita burden of $611, slightly higher than Pakistan’s.
On the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks among the world’s least indebted nations, with a total debt of just $1.6 billion, which comes out to only $30 per citizen.
The report highlights how Pakistan, while facing economic challenges, still remains far behind global giants and regional neighbors in terms of total debt volume and per capita debt levels.
