ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector posted a year-on-year growth of 5.89 per cent in July-February 2025-26.

Industrial production in February grew 6.45pc YoY, according to figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday.

However, on a month-on-month basis, the LSM recorded a negative growth of 8.97pc in February.

Industrial output has rebounded over the past five consecutive months, following the previous month’s sluggish growth. July 2025 saw robust growth of 8.99pc, which decelerated to 0.54pc in August, then slightly reversed to 2.69pc in September, 8.33pc in October, 10.37pc in December, and 10.5pc in January.

The food group grew 5.26pc in 8MFY26. Wheat and rice milling rose by 2.32pc. Wheat and rice milling increased substantially during the period under review, owing primarily to improved crop harvests. However, cooking oil production increased by 2.95pc, while vegetable ghee production fell by 2.48pc. However, tea blended declined by 9.64pc.

Month-on-month output shrinks 8.97pc in February

The overall textile sector grew a paltry 1.61pc in 8MFY26. Cotton yarn increased by 2.23pc, while cotton cloth rose by 0.20pc, accounting for more than 80pc of the textile sector. The primary cause of the slowdown in production was a slight decline in export unit value amid lower demand for textiles.

Garment exports grew by 7.16pc YoY in 8MFY26. This rebound in garments production in the past five months from the previous month’s sluggish growth indicates a revival in export orders from the sector.

Coke and petroleum products surged 11.98pc in 8MFY26. Most petroleum products posted positive production growth during the months under review. Petrol production rose 13.51pc, high-speed diesel by 19.72pc.

The LPG production jumped 12.96pc, kerosene by 10.39pc during 8MFY26. However, furnace oil output dipped 2.08pc.

The automobile sector grew 61.66pc in 8MFY26, driven by a 62.29pc surge in jeep and car production, followed by a 88.79pc surge in truck production, and a 37.21pc surge in bus production. However, LCV production declined by 2.43pc during the first eight months of the current fiscal year compared with a year ago.

The production of pharmaceutical products dipped by 4.94pc, and fertilisers by 0.15pc. Iron and steel production declined 5.70pc in 8MFY26. Billets/ingots, mostly consumed in the construction industry, experienced a 15.03pc decline. Similarly, H/CR sheets, strips, coils, and plates dipped by 1.85pc.

The production of rubber products surged by 13.19pc, non-metallic minerals by 10.11pc and electrical equipment by 9.99pc.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026