Pakistan’s Inflation Hits Nine-Year Low
Pakistan's Inflation Drops to 1.52% in February 2025, Marking Lowest Level in Nine and a Half Years
Islamabad – Pakistan’s inflation rate for February 2025 has fallen to 1.52%, a significant drop of 0.83% from January, and marking the lowest level in nine and a half years. The decrease comes in below the government’s forecast of 2-3% for the month.
According to a report from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, urban inflation stood at 1.8%, while rural inflation was slightly lower at 1.1%. Over the period from July 2024 to February 2025, the average inflation rate was recorded at 5.85%.
Price Fluctuations in Essential Goods
The report highlighted notable drops in the prices of essential commodities, with several key items experiencing sharp declines:
- Tomatoes: Down 57%
- Onions: Down 32%
- Potatoes: Down 20%
- Vegetables: Down 17%
- Eggs: Down 14%
- Daal Channa and Tea: Reduced by 10%
- Gram Flour: Down 9%
- Wheat: Down 3%
- Daal Maash: Down 2.82%
- Flour: Down 2.23%
Additionally, prices for chicken, lentils, fish, dairy products, fuel, transport, construction materials, electricity, and stationery also saw reductions.
However, certain items experienced price hikes:
- Fruits: Up 15%
- Sugar: Up 9.35%
- Butter: Up 5.61%
- Spices: Up 1.59%
- Bakery Items: Up 1.19%
Furthermore, edible oil, ghee, meat, rice, and dry milk prices also saw increases.
In the clothing sector, prices for clothes and shoes rose by 13.8% over the past year, while health and education costs also climbed by 14.34% and 10.87%, respectively. On an annual basis, food and beverage prices fell by 4.15%, with perishable goods seeing a more substantial decline of 20.30%.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Praises Economic Progress
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decline in inflation, attributing it to the government’s robust economic policies. He expressed satisfaction that inflation had dropped to 1.52% as his government nears the completion of its first year in office.
In his remarks, PM Sharif emphasized the concerted efforts of various institutions to promote investment and economic growth. He reiterated that stabilizing prices and ensuring access to affordable essential commodities remain top priorities for his administration.
With continued macroeconomic stability, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for further reductions in inflation, promising sustained relief for the people of Pakistan.
