Pakistan, May 29 -- Pakistan's trade deficit with Middle Eastern countries widened by 9.89% to $11.731 billion during the first ten months of the current fiscal year (July-April FY25), compared to $10.675 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The growing trade gap is primarily driven by a nearly 15% surge in petroleum product imports, as domestic consumption increased. While imports from the region saw a significant rise, Pakistan's exports to Middle Eastern countries showed only marginal growth of 4%, reaching $2.624 billion from $2.523 billion a year ago.

In contrast, total imports from the Middle East climbed 8.76% to $14.355 billion, up from $13.198 billion during the same pe...