Pakistan seen targeting fiscal deficit of 7.7% next fiscal year - source

Pakistan's government is seen targeting a fiscal deficit of 7.7% of GDP for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a source told Reuters on Friday ahead of the finance minister's budget speech, much wider than the current year's original estimate of 4.9%. The budget needs to satisfy the IMF to secure the release of more bailout money for the crisis-struck country, which is due to hold a general election by November. Inflation in May was at a record high of nearly 38%. ($1 = 286.9000 Pakistani rupees)

Pakistan's government is seen targeting a fiscal deficit of 7.7% of GDP for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a source told Reuters on Friday ahead of the finance minister's budget speech, much wider than the current year's original estimate of 4.9%.

The budget needs to satisfy the IMF to secure the release of more bailout money for the crisis-struck country, which is due to hold a general election by November. Total spending is expected to be 14.5 trillion rupees ($50.54 billion), with 1.8 trillion rupees going to defence, said the source.

The budget could target a total tax revenue of 9.2 trillion rupees and pencil in debt servicing of 7.3 trillion rupees, the source added, highlighting the country's massive debt burden. Inflation for the next fiscal year is expected to come in at 21%, the source said, as

Reuters reported earlier this week. Inflation in May was at a record high of nearly 38%.

($1 = 286.9000 Pakistani rupees)

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