Published on, Sept. 26 -- September 26, 2025 2:55 PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's debt burden has risen sharply, pushing the country into what experts are calling a "dangerous debt trap," according to a new report by the Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD).

The report reveals that every Pakistani now bears a debt of Rs318,252, a steep rise from Rs90,047 a decade ago-more than a threefold increase. National debt has been growing at an average annual rate of 13 percent, effectively doubling every six years.

Pakistan's total debt now stands at 70.2 percent of GDP, breaching the 60 percent ceiling set under the Fiscal Responsibility Act. By comparison, India's debt-to-GDP ratio is 57.1%, Bangladesh's is 36.4%, while Sri Lanka carries ...