State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad said on Friday that Pakistan’s economy is moving from stability towards sustainable growth despite a decline in exports and a rise in imports.

Briefing the media in Karachi, he said Pakistan has agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to maintain a tight monetary policy, which has helped stabilise macroeconomic indicators.

He said the current account deficit is expected to remain between zero and one per cent of GDP by June, while inflation is projected to range between five and seven per cent.

The governor said the government would maintain policy continuity for at least two years to ensure long-term economic stability and sustainable growth.

He said financing for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector has been doubled to Rs11 trillion, while the ratio of non-performing loans has declined to seven to eight per cent.

Ahmad said irregularities in the exchange market had been addressed, with 140 out of 166 money changers shut down. He added that all transactions are now being closely monitored.

He said digital transactions are increasing, and the central bank aims to digitise two million merchants by June.

The governor said printing of new currency notes would begin after cabinet approval.

He said Pakistan’s external debt would be rolled over until September 2027. So far, $6 billion has been repaid, while another $4 to $4.5 billion will be paid during the current fiscal year.

He also said the markup rate under the “Mera Ghar Mera Aashiyana” housing scheme has been reduced and urged people to benefit from the facility.