SBP Clarifies Current Account Balance Following Revised Trade Data from PBS

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a formal clarification stating that recent revisions to trade data by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) will not lead to any major changes in the current account balance figures released by the central bank. The SBP emphasized that its trade statistics are primarily derived from trade payments data reported by commercial banks, rather than the customs-based figures published by PBS.

Responding to growing speculation, the SBP clarified that the methodology it follows is independent of the PBS dataset, and as such, the current account figures already disclosed are unlikely to undergo significant revision. The statement noted that while minor adjustments may still occur as part of routine updates, the core data remains stable and consistent.

The clarification was issued to address concerns arising from media reports suggesting that PBS’s recent data revisions might impact SBP’s external account metrics. By confirming the limited impact of those revisions, the SBP aims to maintain transparency and provide reassurance to analysts, policymakers, and the public regarding the integrity of its balance of payments reporting.