The most recent development in Pakistan's economic outlook is the optimistic forecast by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), which anticipates a growth rate of up to 4.75% for the fiscal year 2026, surpassing the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) more conservative estimates. According to ProPakistani, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed highlighted that 'all high-frequency indicators and 6% growth in large-scale manufacturing point to strengthening domestic demand,' despite the challenges of a trade deficit and declining exports in the first half of the year. The SBP's growth forecast was revised upwards by 0.5 percentage points to a range of 3.75–4.75%, as reported by multiple sources including ARY News and Express News. This optimism is attributed to resilient agricultural performance and eased financial conditions following a significant 1,150-basis-point cut in the policy rate since June 2024, as noted by aaj.tv.