Islamabad: (Right Now News) Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has criticized the issuance of bonds as shameful. He expressed concern over the stagnation in exports during the annual plan coordination committee meeting.

Ahsan Iqbal stated that bonds are a form of debt and should not be considered a success. According to him, foreign exchange needs should be met through exports and foreign investment instead of loans.

Pakistan recently raised 750 million dollars through Eurobonds and 250 million dollars through Panda bonds. The Ministry of Finance termed it a success, but the trade deficit remains a challenge.

The country’s trade deficit reached 31.98 billion dollars in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan needs to move towards an export emergency.

It is noteworthy that Pakistan faces issues like foreign exchange reserves, trade deficit, and low exports. Experts suggest that while loans provide temporary relief, a permanent solution lies in increasing production and exports.