According to the PBS, exports during the first six months of current fiscal stood at $11.535 billion whereas Commerce Ministry claimed exports of $ 11.540 billion. Likewise, import figures were also exaggerated. The PBS's data shows that imports were $23.163 billion during the first half of current fiscal whereas Commerce Ministry claims the figure of $23.182 billion.
The Commerce Ministry has hired a private team for its image building against perks and privileges amounting to millions of rupees per annum from a World Bank's project of $ 75 million. The Commerce Ministry's team did not upload monthly foreign trade figures, fearing that this will send a negative message about the performance of the ministry.
The provisional foreign trade figures show that exports in December 2019 declined by 3.96 per cent to $1.990 billion from $2.072 billion in December 2018 whereas imports reduced by 10.33 per cent during the same period.
The comparison of provisional foreign trade figures also indicate that exports in December 2019 also declined by 1.04 per cent to 1.990 billion from $ 2.011 billion. Imports have also posted 0.25 per cent increase in December as compared to November.
Secretary Commerce Sardar Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera remains available on phone and social media but there is clear confusion about who is official spokesperson and will respond to questions instantly.
According to PBS, its provisional trade figures are based in data provided by PRAL, Customs House, adding that data from DRS, FBR Islamabad, is still awaited. The PBS further says that official exchange rate from SBP is still awaited for December 2019.
However, the December exchange rate is prepared on weighted average customer exchange rate (selling). In December 2019 dollar selling rate was $1= Rs 155.367457, in November 2019 it was $1= Rs 155.367457 and in December 2018 it was 1$= Rs 138.471259.