Financial Sector
- Banking sector has remained strong, despite facing pressures emanating from the weakening macroeconomic environment since late 2007. Stress tests conducted on June-2008 data indicate that the large banks are relatively robust, with the medium and small-sized banks positioning themselves in niche markets. Profitability of the banking system continues to be impressive, largely emanating from the persistent growth in high-yield earning assets and expanded business volumes. (State Bank of Pakistan)
- State Bank of Pakistan has been ranked 2nd in performance and efficiency indicators among the South Asian countries by the World Bank
- Banks in Pakistan account for 95% of the financial sector.
- Access to formal financial services remains low, with only 37% of the adult population in Pakistan with bank accounts and only 4.2% of the population having access to credit (State Bank of Pakistan).
- The domestic savings rate, 16.1% of GDP, also remains low when compared to those of other countries in the region. However, many Pakistanis use informal mechanisms such as mattress savings and committee-savings whereby they can accumulate a pool of cash for planned expenses and investments.
- Rising Direct Foreign Investment - Total Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan has been on the rise since 2001, reaching to a total of $ 6 Billion in 2008.
- Due to inflation and economic crisis worldwide, Pakistan`s economy reached a state of balance of payment crisis in 2007. The IMF bailed out Pakistan in 2008 and ever since the economy is showing positive trends. Exceptional policies kept trade deficit controlled at $13 billion, exports boomed to $18 billion and Pakistan`s foreign reserves increased to a handsome $16.4 billion in 2010.
