Pakistan is facing difficulties in recovering $304.5 million from five countries, an official audit report has disclosed. The debts, which date back to the 1980s and 1990s, are owed by Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Guinea-Bissau.
According to the report, Iraq owes the largest portion—$231.3 million—while Sudan is behind on $46.6 million. Bangladesh’s debt stands at $21.4 million, linked to sugar plant and cement-related projects, and Guinea-Bissau’s dues total $3.653 million.
In Pakistani currency, the total amount exceeds Rs86 billion. These funds were extended as export credit decades ago, but despite repeated efforts, recovery has not been achieved.
The Auditor General noted that these recoveries were also flagged as pending in 2006–07. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is working with the Foreign Office to pursue payment through diplomatic channels, joint ministerial committees, and official reminders.
The report urges the government to take up the matter at a high diplomatic and political level to ensure the long-overdue debts are finally settled.