Pakistan, May 20 -- The economy is going through a tough time. Last week, the country received the second tranche of $1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its ongoing $7 billion loan program.

This has given some relief to the country's balance of payments. However, problems remain. In April, Pakistan imported goods worth $5.5 billion but exported only $2.14 billion. This growing trade gap is worrying. If tensions with India rise again and the ceasefire breaks, managing the trade deficit in May and June will become even harder.

The government may already have a backup plan to deal with the situation in the short term. But the real worry is what happens in the next financial year. A new challenge is also emerging fro...