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Pakistan's Economy

Part of the NLT Pakistan study roadmap. Gk topic gk-004 of Gk.

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Pakistan’s Economy

🟢 Lite — Quick Review (1h–1d)

Rapid summary for last-minute revision before your NLT Pakistan exam.

Pakistan’s Economy — Key Facts

Overview

  • GDP (2024): ~$340 billion (nominal)
  • GDP per capita: ~$1,500 (lower-middle income)
  • Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
  • Major sectors: Agriculture (~23%), Industry (~19%), Services (~58%)

Key Economic Indicators

  • Tax-to-GDP ratio: ~10% (low)
  • Human Development Index: 154/189 (Low)
  • Major exports: Textiles (60%), Rice, Leather, Sports goods

CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)

  • Value: ~$65 billion
  • Components: Infrastructure (roads, Gwadar Port), Energy projects
  • Strategic: Connects China to Arabian Sea

⚡ NLT High-Yield: GDP, CPEC, major exports, sectors.

🟡 Standard — Regular Study (2d–2mo)

Chapter: Pakistan’s Economy

1.1 Economic Overview

Basic Statistics (2024)

  • GDP (Nominal): ~$340 billion (44th largest)
  • GDP (PPP): ~$1.5 trillion (24th largest)
  • GDP per capita: ~$1,500 (nominal), ~$7,000 (PPP)
  • Population: ~240 million
  • World Bank: Lower-middle income economy

1.2 Economic Sectors

Agriculture (~23% GDP)

  • Major crops: Wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane
  • Livestock: Significant GDP contribution

Industry (~19% GDP)

  • Textiles (60% of exports)
  • Food processing, cement, fertilizer
  • Sports goods, leather

Services (~58% GDP)

  • Retail, transport, finance, IT, telecom

1.3 Trade

Major Exports

  • Textiles and garments (60%)
  • Rice (Basmati)
  • Leather goods, sports goods

Major Imports

  • Petroleum, machinery, electronics

1.4 CPEC

Overview

  • Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
  • $65 billion (Phase 1)
  • Gwadar Port operational 2015

Components

  • Infrastructure (Karakoram Highway upgrade)
  • Energy (coal, hydro power plants)
  • Industrial zones (SEZs)

1.5 NLT Pakistan High-Yield Points

⚡ Commonly Asked:

  1. GDP: ~$340 billion (nominal)
  2. Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
  3. CPEC: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ($65 billion)
  4. Largest export: Textiles (60%)
  5. HDI rank: 154/189 (Low)
  6. Gwadar Port: Deep-sea port in Balochistan
  7. SBP: State Bank of Pakistan (central bank)
  8. FBR: Federal Board of Revenue
  9. Tax-to-GDP ratio: ~10%