Pakistan, Jan. 21 -- Pakistan's external debt surged sharply in the first six months of the current fiscal year, reaching a record Rs1,272 billion. Official Economic Affairs Division data shows loans and grants climbed 29% compared to the same period last year, an increase of over Rs280 billion.

Between July and December, Pakistan secured Rs1,254 billion in loans and Rs17.67 billion in grants. Non-project aid totaled Rs785 billion, including Rs458.72 billion for budgetary support, while project assistance amounted to Rs487 billion.

Read more: Pakistan's public debt rises by Rs9.3 trillion in FY2025

Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Development Bank contributed Rs170 billion and Rs137 billion, respectively, for oil and other facilities. Paki...