Govt’s bank borrowings jump 3.15x in six months

The government’s reliance on bank borrowings has displayed a concerning upward trajectory, intensifying the nation’s debt burden and raising doubts about its optimistic economic outlook. 

Recent data for the six months ending December 2023 reveals a substantial increase in borrowing through banks, soaring to Rs3.214 trillion compared to Rs1.019 trillion during the same period last year—an alarming surge of 3.15 times.

Notably, this surge occurs amid a caretaker government’s administration, signalling that within six months, the government has amassed a level of debt equivalent to the entire fiscal year 2023. 

While governments commonly borrow from banks to address financial gaps, refinance debts, and fund public projects, the scale of the borrowing indicates a matter of heightened concern.

Despite the Federal Board of Revenue’s commendable performance in tax collections, with historic achievements of over Rs1 trillion in December and Rs4.468 trillion in 6MFY24, these impressive figures clash with the substantial reliance on bank borrowings.

 Economic apprehensions grow as these borrowing patterns contradict the government’s objective of optimising the allocation and expenditure of public funds.

The caretaker government’s limited authorisation of Rs300.904 billion for development funds, out of a total allocation of Rs950 billion for ongoing and new social sector uplift projects, contrasts starkly with the escalating borrowing figures, hinting at the possibility of an expanding Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

Furthermore, this escalating trend in government borrowings raises concerns among economists and financial experts who emphasise the importance of fiscal discipline. 

The growing debt levels may not only impact the country’s creditworthiness but also strain future budgetary allocations, potentially limiting the government’s capacity to respond to unforeseen economic challenges. 

As stakeholders closely monitor these developments, there is a pressing need for transparent fiscal policies and strategic measures to ensure a sustainable and resilient economic future for the nation.