Karachi, February 25, 2025 – Pakistan has paid a total of $135 million for imports from India during the first seven months (July–January) of the fiscal year 2024-25.
This marks a notable increase in trade activity between the two neighboring countries despite ongoing political and trade restrictions.
According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), import payments to India saw a 12% rise compared to the $120.62 million recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This increase highlights the continuing demand for essential goods from India, even as Pakistan maintains a broader trade ban on most Indian-origin products.
Pakistan has enforced restrictions on imports from India under its Import Policy Order, which limits trade to specific categories. Despite this ban, certain essential commodities, particularly pharmaceutical products, continue to be imported. The exemption granted to pharmaceuticals allows Pakistani importers to source life-saving medicines and medical supplies from India, ensuring that critical healthcare needs are met. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) oversees these transactions to maintain quality and compliance with health standards.
In January 2025 alone, Pakistan’s import payments to India surged to $23.36 million, a significant jump from $17.20 million in December 2024 and $17.29 million in January 2024. The steady increase in payments suggests a growing reliance on Indian imports in certain sectors, despite the official trade barriers.
Conversely, Pakistan’s export earnings from India remain minimal. During the first seven months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan received just $404,000 in export payments from India. While this reflects an increase from the $150,000 recorded in the same period of the last fiscal year, the overall trade balance remains heavily tilted in favor of India.
In January 2025, Pakistan’s export receipts from India fell sharply to just $5,000, a significant drop from $24,000 in December 2024 and $72,000 in January 2024. This decline underscores the limited access Pakistani exporters have to the Indian market, as trade restrictions and regulatory barriers continue to hinder export activity.
Despite political tensions, trade between India and Pakistan persists in limited but essential sectors. The figures indicate that while Pakistan continues to rely on Indian imports, particularly in pharmaceuticals, Pakistani exports to India remain negligible. The future of trade relations between the two countries remains uncertain, but economic necessities continue to drive selective transactions.
