Small traders in Pakistan have labeled 2025 as a challenging year due to economic struggles, including business closures, increased unemployment, and financial difficulties. The All Karachi Traders Alliance (AKTA) report, as cited by ‘The Express Tribune,’ highlighted that the economy faced stagnation amid political instability and a lack of clear economic direction. Throughout the year, commercial activity remained below 60%, leading to the closure of numerous small and medium-sized businesses.
AKTA President Atiq Mir referred to 2025 as a “year of closures,” emphasizing that thousands of traders were compelled to cease operations, resulting in job losses and added financial pressure on households. The report also pointed out a decline in investor confidence, with both local and foreign investors withdrawing funds from the country. Economic policies’ uncertainty and frequent decision changes discouraged new investments and prompted capital outflows abroad.
The traders’ body expressed concerns about the adverse effects of high inflation on the general population, particularly impacting the poor and middle classes. Despite government assertions of economic stabilization and debt avoidance, traders argued that the actual situation did not align with official claims. The report criticized authorities for relying on “artificial indicators” instead of offering tangible support to the trade and industry sectors.
