World Bank expects expenditures would be higher because of the election year while more draw down in foreign exchange reserves expected because of the ballooning current account deficit but it would partly be offset due to higher foreign direct investment expected to increase owing to CPEC related project.

The twice a year report prepared by the World Bank under the theme of South Asia Economic Forum which narrated that upcoming national election in 2018 may affect the reform momentum and macroeconomic policy. Slower progress in much-need reforms would weaken growth prospects and discourage private investment, the report said.

The World Bank said that on the supply side, impetus to growth is projected to come from the services and the industrial sectors. On the demand side, acceleration would be driven by public and private consumption, aided by a moderate increase in investment.

The pressure on the current account is expected to persist as the trade deficit will remain elevated during FY2018 and FY2019. This situation can potentially become unsustainable in absence of corrective policy measures. However, exports are expected to recover during FY2018 and FY2019 due to an easing of supply side factors.

Imports, after strong growth of 17.7 percent in FY2017, are expected to grow at a slower pace in FY2018 and FY2019. Remittances will continue to partly finance the current account deficit. It is also expected that FDI flows will strengthen due to the accelerated implementation of CPEC projects. However, capital and financial flows during FY2018 and FY2019 will only partly finance the current account deficit, which will result in a drawdown of reserves during these two years.

Fiscal slippages are expected to continue through the election cycle, which will result in a widening of the fiscal deficit during FY2018. This increase in the fiscal deficit is primarily driven by a slower increase in government tax revenues (both federal and provincial) and a sharper increase in expenditures.

An adjustment in the fiscal position in FY2019 after the election will help in curtailing the fiscal deficit.

Inflation, after remaining moderate during FY2017, is expected to rise in FY2018 and FY2019. Inflation is expected to rise due to higher domestic demand pressures and a slight increase in international oil prices.

Macroeconomic risks have increased substantially during FY2017. The external balance is particularly vulnerable given the persistent current account deficit, affecting the country’s reserve position. Improving the external balance hinges upon a revival in exports, a slowdown in imports, and stable remittance flows. In absence of any of these factors, the persistent current account deficit will put further pressure on already dwindling reserves.

The fiscal position is also expected to deteriorate during the election cycle, which would affect debt trends and maintain debt at the current high level. The quitting of ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has enhanced political risks and created some policy uncertainty.