Pakistan Sees Sharp Monthly Rise in Health and Education Costs, PBS Reports; Trade Deficit Widened to $2.75 Billion in July 2025

ISLAMABAD: The cost of health and education services in Pakistan rose sharply within a month, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The report highlighted significant price increases across both urban and rural areas. In urban regions, health services became 6.99% more expensive, with medicines rising 6.94% and therapeutic appliances and medical equipment increasing by 2.19%. Doctor consultation fees went up by 7.37%, dental services by 8.36%, and medical tests surged 10.72%. Hospital services in cities recorded a 5.21% increase. The education sector in urban areas also became costlier, seeing an 8.24% rise.

Rural areas experienced even steeper increases. Prices of drugs and medicines rose by 8.35%, doctor’s clinic fees surged 16.16%, dental services increased 17.13%, and medical tests went up 11.13%. Hospital services became 6.88% more expensive, while education costs rose 11.22%. Stationery items in rural regions also recorded a modest increase of 2.27%.

The PBS data underscores a broad monthly surge in essential services, affecting healthcare, medical equipment, and education across Pakistan.

Separately, Pakistan’s trade deficit widened to $2.75 billion in July 2025, a 16.02% increase compared to June 2025. Exports during the same period rose 16.91% year-on-year, reaching $2.697 billion in July FY2025-26, up from $2.307 billion in July FY2024-25. The data reflects ongoing economic pressures alongside rising costs in key public services.