ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government debt increased to Rs81.93 trillion in April 2026, reflecting a 1.7 percent rise on a month-on-month basis, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.
The figures show that total federal debt stood at Rs74.9 trillion in April 2025. As a result, the debt stock recorded a 9.3 percent increase on a year-on-year basis over the past 12 months.
The latest data also highlights the pace of debt accumulation. Compared with the same period last year, the national debt increased by approximately Rs7.03 trillion. This translates into an average increase of about Rs802 million per hour, or nearly Rs13.4 million every minute during the period.
Meanwhile, central government domestic debt continued its upward trend. Domestic debt reached Rs58.089 trillion in April 2026, marking an increase of 11 percent compared to April 2025. On a monthly basis, domestic debt rose by 0.9 percent.
Long-term public debt accounted for the largest share of domestic borrowing. The stock of long-term debt increased from Rs44.135 trillion a year earlier to Rs47.472 trillion in April 2026. The rise indicates continued reliance on longer-maturity instruments to finance government obligations and fiscal requirements.
At the same time, short-term debt also recorded significant growth. The stock of short-term domestic debt climbed from Rs8.326 trillion in April 2025 to Rs10.557 trillion in April 2026. The increase reflects greater use of short-term borrowing instruments to meet financing needs.
Economists closely monitor government debt levels because they influence fiscal stability, debt-servicing costs and future budgetary planning. Rising debt obligations can also place additional pressure on public finances, particularly as interest payments remain a major component of government expenditure.
The latest figures underscore the continuing challenge of managing public finances while balancing economic growth, development spending and fiscal consolidation targets in the coming fiscal year.
