Pakistan, April 15 -- Pakistan's trade deficit with the Middle East rose to $9.35 billion during the first eight months of the 2024-25 fiscal year. This figure represents a 9.75% increase from $8.52 billion in the same period last year. The primary factor behind this increase is the spike in oil imports. As a result, the trade balance has been significantly impacted.

Meanwhile, exports to Gulf countries increased slightly by 3.56%, reaching $2.095 billion in July-February 2025. In contrast, imports from the Middle East rose by 8.56%, totaling $11.44 billion during the same period. Last fiscal year, imports had decreased by 13.53%, but this year's rise signals renewed demand for petroleum products.

Notably, exports to Saudi Arabia and th...