Pakistan lost an estimated $132 billion in 2023 due to administrative inefficiencies and fragmented government processes, equivalent to 39% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a document issued by the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA).
The document identifies administrative hurdles, weak coordination among government institutions, and disconnected systems as major barriers to economic performance. These issues can increase procedural burdens, delay decision-making, and prevent the effective use of available resources.
The PDA also highlighted limited interoperability between government departments, which affects information sharing, public service delivery, and coordination across institutions.
To address these challenges, the authority emphasised the need for common frameworks, harmonised standards, and stronger coordination among government entities. Simplifying administrative procedures and eliminating duplication could help improve institutional efficiency and public service delivery.
However, the document does not provide a detailed breakdown of the estimated $132 billion loss, leaving the specific contribution of individual administrative issues unclear.