Exports rise 14% despite IMF delay

Pakistan's exports increased by double digits to $5.1 billion during the first two months of this fiscal year, helping to contain the trade deficit to $3.6 billion amid uncertainty over the timing of a new external bailout package. Some argue that due to the overall deterioration in Pakistan's economic, political, and security situation, even an IMF deal might not be of much help package. The 14% growth in exports during the July-August period of the current fiscal year will partially offset the external sector pressures that may start building due to a lack of clarity on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.