Pakistan, Aug. 3 -- Pakistan's annual inflation rate climbed to 9.2% in July, reflecting a sharp rise in the cost of essential goods and services, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The report also recorded a 1.2% month-on-month increase, driven mainly by higher food prices, transport expenses and household costs. Compared with July 2025, when inflation stood at 4.1%, the latest figures show a significant increase in the overall cost of living.

The report showed that inflation affected rural areas more than urban centres during July. Annual inflation reached 9.9% in rural areas, while urban inflation stood at 8.7%. Food prices remained the biggest contributor to rising inflation, with tomato...