February 18, 2021 (MLN): The total debt of the Central Government during the month of December 2020 surged by Rs. 3.59 trillion or 11% YoY to stand at Rs. 36.26 trillion when compared to Rs 32.66 trillion recorded in December 2019.
On a monthly basis, the central government debt increased by 1% against Rs. 35.82 trillion reported in November 2020.
The data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shows that the larger portion of the debt was domestic, whereas the remaining was external. The Central Government Domestic Debt amounted to Rs. 24.3 trillion during the month, signifying a growth of around 12% YoY, comprising of Rs. 19.2 trillion long term debt and Rs. 5 trillion short term debt.
By the end of December 2020, the government’s long-term debt increased by 1% MoM while on yearly basis, it surged by 16% when compared to Rs. 16.57 trillion at the end of December 2019.
The short-term debt decreased by 1% YoY while on monthly basis, it increased by just 1%.
Within the long-term domestic debt, the Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) accounted for Rs. 14.1 trillion, and Saving Schemes accounted for Rs. 3.528 trillion. While in the short-term domestic debt, Market Treasury Bills amounted to Rs. 5 trillion.
A breakup of the Central Government External Debt shows that nearly Rs.11.8 trillion came from long-term loans while Rs. 146 billion came from short-term loans.
