Karachi, March 16, 2026 – Pakistan’s gold imports have witnessed a sharp decline during the first eight months (July – February) of the fiscal year 2025-26, driven by historic high prices and regional trade disruptions.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country imported only $10.68 million worth of gold in this period, down from $26.18 million during the same months of the previous fiscal year, reflecting a 59% decrease in value. In terms of quantity, gold imports fell 79% to 71 kilograms from 346 kilograms during the corresponding period last year, signaling a significant slowdown in the precious metals market.
Market analysts point out that the steep fall is largely due to record-high prices. On January 29, 2026, gold reached an all-time peak of Rs572,862 per tola, making imports a costly venture for traders and businesses.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict in Iran, have further disrupted trade routes and international travel, compounding the challenges for gold imports.
“The combination of skyrocketing gold prices and regional instability has made imports a high-risk activity for Pakistani businesses,” said industry experts.
Looking forward, analysts predict that gold imports may continue to decline unless global prices stabilize and trade disruptions ease. This drop in imports could have a direct impact on Pakistan’s trade balance and domestic jewellery industry, which heavily relies on imported gold for production and retail.
The current trend highlights the growing challenges faced by traders, investors, and consumers in navigating a market affected by economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainties.