ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnesses a sharp rise in the cost of health and education services within a single month, according to new data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The report shows that both sectors became significantly more expensive in urban and rural regions.
In cities, the health sector recorded a 6.99% increase. The situation was even more severe in rural areas, where health-related costs rose by 9.65%. PBS noted that medicines became 6.94% costlier, while therapeutic appliances and medical equipment saw a 2.19% rise. Doctor consultation fees jumped by 7.37%, dental services increased by 8.36%, and medical test charges climbed by 10.72%. Hospital services in urban areas also became 5.21% more expensive.
The education sector was no exception. Urban regions witnessed an 8.24% increase in education costs. Pakistan witnesses even stronger inflation in rural areas, where drug prices climbed 8.35%, doctor clinic fees surged 16.16%, dental services spiked 17.13%, and medical tests rose 11.13%. Hospital services recorded a 6.88% rise, while education became 11.22% costlier. Rural stationery items also saw a 2.27% increase.
PBS data shows that essential health and education services faced widespread monthly inflation, affecting households across the country. The rising costs have added pressure on families already struggling with elevated living expenses.
Separately, Pakistan witnesses a wider trade deficit as it reached $2.75 billion in July 2025. This marks a 16.02% increase compared to June 2025, based on PBS figures. However, the country also saw positive movement in exports.
According to the bureau, Pakistan’s exports increased by 16.91% during July, the first month of the new fiscal year. Exports stood at $2.697 billion in July FY2025-26, compared to $2.307 billion in the same month of the previous fiscal year.
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The contrasting trends—rising domestic costs and improved export performance—highlight the mixed economic environment as Pakistan enters the new financial year.
