According to the latest international debt assessment, Pakistan has been ranked 33rd among the world’s most indebted nations, significantly trailing behind India, which holds the 7th position, and the United States, which remains the most indebted country globally.
The ranking reflects each nation’s total public debt—a combination of domestic and external liabilities—highlighting global economic disparities and differing fiscal capacities.
Analysts say Pakistan’s debt level, though lower in global comparison, remains a major challenge for its economy, as the country struggles with high interest repayments, low foreign reserves, and IMF-imposed fiscal reforms.
In contrast, the U.S. leads the global debt chart with an estimated $35 trillion, followed by countries like Japan, China, and India, underscoring their larger economic footprints and borrowing capacities.
Economists stress that Pakistan’s ranking should not be seen merely as a positive indicator of lower borrowing, since its debt-to-GDP ratio and repayment capacity remain critical concerns compared to regional peers.
