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Pakistan Denies Misleading 8% Interest Claims on Debt

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Ministry of Finance of Pakistan says claims of eight percent interest on external loans are misleading.
Public external debt interest outflows rose 80.4% from fiscal year 2022 to 2025, not 84%.
Pakistan's total external debt stands at $138 billion, with about $92 billion classified as external public debt, comprising roughly 75% concessional and long-term financing.
The government remains committed to prudent debt management and macroeconomic stability.

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Story summary

The Ministry of Finance of Pakistan says claims of eight percent interest on external loans are misleading.
Public external debt interest outflows rose 80.4% from fiscal year 2022 to 2025, not 84%.
Pakistan's total external debt stands at $138 billion, with about $92 billion classified as external public debt, comprising roughly 75% concessional and long-term financing.
The government remains committed to prudent debt management and macroeconomic stability.