Lahore: The Ferozepur Road Industrial Association (FRIA) has voiced serious concern over the 33% rise in Pakistan's trade deficit, which surged to $9.4 billion in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

FRIA Chairman Shahbaz Aslam said the growing gap between imports and exports reflects deep structural flaws in industrial and trade policies. He warned that imports increased by 13.5% to $17 billion while exports declined 3.8% to $7.6 billion.

Calling the situation a 'wake-up call' for policymakers, he said industrial output remains stagnant while exporters struggle with policy inconsistency and currency rigidity.

He urged the government to implement market-based currency adjustments, stabilise energy tariffs, and incentivise value-added exports to restore industrial competitiveness.

Shahbaz Aslam cautioned that if current trends continue, Pakistan's exports could fall below $31 billion and imports may exceed $68 billion, causing severe pressure on reserves, employment, and investment.