The ministry reported an 8.4 per cent increase in workers’ remittances during July-September, reaching $9.53 billion, while September remittances rose 11.3 per cent to $3.18 billion.

Exports grew by 6.5 per cent to $7.9 billion, whereas imports rose 8.3 per cent to $15.4 billion during the same period.

The report noted that foreign exchange reserves reached $19.9 billion, including $14.5 billion held by the State Bank and $5.4 billion by commercial banks, while the rupee remained stable at 281 per dollar.

However, the current account deficit widened to $594 million, and foreign direct investment (FDI) declined by 34 per cent to $568.8 million in the first quarter.

Large-scale manufacturing output increased by 4.44 per cent, while the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) index surged 83.6 per cent, crossing the historic 163,304-point mark, with market capitalisation up 62 per cent to Rs18.8 trillion.

The report also highlighted a 33 per cent rise in new company registrations, reaching 11,250 during the quarter, and noted that the IMF staff-level agreement reflected confidence in Pakistan’s economic performance.