ISLAMABAD – Web Desk: Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26 in Islamabad on Thursday, acknowledging that key agriculture and industrial growth targets were not achieved during the outgoing fiscal year.
Addressing a press briefing, the finance minister said the country began the fiscal year with uncertainty due to tariffs. He noted that by the end of July, Pakistan had reached a competitive position regarding exports, especially to the US. Floods in August and September 2025, followed by a regional conflict in March 2026, tested Pakistan’s resilience, but the government remained on the path from stabilization to growth.
Sectoral Performance
The agriculture sector recorded 2.8% growth against a 4.5% target, with crops at 2.4% (target 3.5%) and livestock at 3.7% (target 4.2%). The forestry sector grew 2% (target 3.5%), while fisheries grew 1.6% (target 3%). The industrial sector recorded 3.5% growth against a 4.3% target. Mining and quarrying grew only 0.38% against a 3% target.
However, manufacturing exceeded expectations at 6.6% against a 4.7% target, with large-scale manufacturing at 6.1% (target 3.5%). Small-scale manufacturing grew 8.5% (target 8.9%). The construction sector achieved 5.7% growth (target 3.8%). The services sector grew 4.09%, slightly exceeding its 4% target. Information and communication services outperformed at 7.5% against a 5% target.
Crop Production
Wheat production increased 4.3% to 29.61 million tonnes, rice rose 2.8% to 9.998 million tonnes, and sugarcane increased 6.2% to 89.45 million tonnes. Maize production declined 2.68% to 8.79 million tonnes, while cotton production fell 0.5% to 7.05 million bales. Chickpea production saw exceptional growth of 50.4%.
Livestock Population
Buffalo population reached 49.1 million, cattle numbered 61.9 million, sheep and rams stood at 33.5 million, goats at 91.8 million, camels at 1.19 million, horses at 386,000, and donkeys at 6.16 million.
