The Bureau of Statistics reported Wednesday that Pakistan's gross value added increased by 3.99% year-on-year in the January-March quarter of 2026.
This outcome represents a small decline from the 4.05% expansion recorded in the quarter ending December 2025. Despite the marginal slowdown relative to the immediate prior quarter, the first quarter pace of 3.99% exceeded the 3.92% growth documented in the third quarter of 2025.
Sector contributions
The services sector was the primary driver of growth in the January-March quarter, advancing 4.18% year-on-year. That rate was higher than the 3.83% pace posted by services in the October-December 2025 quarter.
Industry expanded at a 4.65% year-on-year clip in the first quarter, a noticeable deceleration from the 6.68% gain recorded in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, agriculture posted a 3.01% increase, an acceleration relative to the 2.64% growth rate seen in the October-December period.
Context within recent quarters
The 3.99% gain in the January-March quarter sits below the 4.05% expansion in the December 2025 quarter, yet it is above the 3.92% pace recorded in the third quarter of 2025. The data indicate a mixed pattern across major sectors, with services strengthening, industry easing back, and agriculture showing a modest pickup.
Implications for sector-focused observers
- Services: Continued acceleration in the services sector supported overall growth in Q1 2026.
- Industry: The slowdown in industrial growth from 6.68% to 4.65% signals a moderation in activity compared with the prior quarter.
- Agriculture: Agricultural output recorded a modest increase versus the previous quarter's rate.
The Bureau of Statistics released these headline and sectoral rates as the official measure of gross value added for the January-March 2026 quarter.