February 20, 2019 (MLN): Pakistan’s budget deficit during July to December 2018 has widened to 2.7% of the GDP as compared to the same period last year when it stood at 2.2%.

In absolute terms the deficit has been recorded at Rs.1.03 trillion in 1hFY19 while last year’s deficit was Rs.796 billion.

According to the sources within Ministry of Finance, government’s principal and interest payments for the period under review increased to Rs.877 billion, up from Rs.752 billion.

Moreover, the Defense expenses have risen to Rs.480 billion from Rs.394 billion recorded previous year.

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