Pakistan External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Pakistan's external debt to gni was 35.34% in 2025, ranked 71st globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's external debt to gni stood at 35.34% in 2025, a decline of +0.29pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.34% by 2025. Pakistan ranked 71st globally.
Pakistan's external debt as a share of gross national income stood at 35.34% in 2025, placing it 71st globally and in close proximity to peer nations such as São Tomé and Principe and Malawi, both at 35.32%. Over a 56-year period since 1970, the country's debt ratio has experienced marked volatility, peaking at 72.44% in 1973 amid post-war economic strain and declining foreign reserves, before reaching a historic low of 23.25% in 2015 due to concessional borrowing and improved balance of payments. The 2025 figure reflects a notable reversal from the mid-2010s recovery, suggesting renewed pressure on external financing needs and currency stability. Unlike the sustained debt reduction seen in the early 2010s, recent years have been characterized by increased borrowing from multilateral and bilateral sources to finance trade deficits and service existing debt. Without structural improvements in export earnings or significant foreign direct investment, Pakistan’s debt trajectory is likely to remain elevated, particularly if global interest rates or exchange rate fluctuations increase repayment burdens.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 33.88% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 34.61% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 35.34% | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.34% | −0.29pp | #71 |
| 2024 | 35.63% | −3.82pp | #37 |
| 2023 | 39.45% | +4.93pp | #43 |
| 2022 | 34.52% | −3.48pp | #33 |
| 2021 | 38.00% | −1.99pp | #38 |
| 2020 | 39.99% | +5.07pp | #44 |
| 2019 | 34.92% | +6.37pp | #40 |
| 2018 | 28.55% | +0.70pp | #31 |
| 2017 | 27.85% | +3.48pp | #33 |
| 2016 | 24.37% | +1.12pp | #31 |
| 2015 | 23.25% | −0.79pp | #28 |
| 2014 | 24.04% | +0.42pp | #35 |
| 2013 | 23.62% | −2.26pp | #35 |
| 2012 | 25.88% | −2.69pp | #45 |
| 2011 | 28.57% | −4.21pp | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's external debt to gni was 35.34% in 2025. Ranked 71st globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Pakistan's external debt to gni peaked at 72.44% in 1973.
The lowest external debt to gni in Pakistan was 23.25% in 2015.
Pakistan ranks 71st globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's external debt to gni is projected to reach 35.34% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Pakistan in 2025 was 35.34%. This ranks 71st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Pakistan External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}