{"id":1575,"date":"2026-06-09T12:05:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T12:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/?p=1575"},"modified":"2026-06-09T12:05:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T12:05:37","slug":"how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/","title":{"rendered":"How Global Inflation Is Affecting Pakistani SMEs Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#What_is_happening_with_inflation_globally_and_locally\" >What is happening with inflation globally and locally?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Why_Pakistani_SMEs_are_hit_harder_than_big_companies\" >Why Pakistani SMEs are hit harder than big companies?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Currency_devaluation_and_the_dollar_rate_effect_on_business_Pakistan\" >Currency devaluation and the dollar rate effect on business Pakistan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#The_supply_chain_inflation_Pakistan_is_experiencing\" >The supply chain inflation Pakistan is experiencing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Energy_fuel_and_utility_shock_for_Pakistani_SMEs\" >Energy, fuel, and utility shock for Pakistani SMEs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Wage_inflation_and_employee_salary_pressure\" >Wage inflation and employee salary pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#How_inflation_is_affecting_profit_margins\" >How inflation is affecting profit margins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Manufacturing_cost_increase_Pakistan_SMEs_are_dealing_with\" >Manufacturing cost increase Pakistan SMEs are dealing with<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#How_consumer_spending_inflation_Pakistan_is_affecting_demand\" >How consumer spending inflation Pakistan is affecting demand<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#SBP_policy_and_what_it_means_for_Pakistani_SMEs\" >SBP policy and what it means for Pakistani SMEs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Inflation_survival_strategies_SME_owners_can_apply_right_now\" >Inflation survival strategies SME owners can apply right now<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Cost_pass-through_strategies_that_work\" >Cost pass-through strategies that work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Cost_cutting_and_operational_efficiency\" >Cost cutting and operational efficiency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Supplier_negotiation_and_alternative_sourcing\" >Supplier negotiation and alternative sourcing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Financial_planning_and_cash_flow_management\" >Financial planning and cash flow management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#Inflation_hedging_for_small_business\" >Inflation hedging for small business<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#The_bigger_picture_for_SME_challenges_Pakistan_2026\" >The bigger picture for SME challenges Pakistan 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#How_Msafdar_Can_Help_Pakistani_SMEs_Navigate_Inflation_Successfully\" >How Msafdar Can Help Pakistani SMEs Navigate Inflation Successfully<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/how-global-inflation-is-affecting-pakistani-smes\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running a small business in Pakistan today feels like trying to fill a bucket that has a hole at the bottom. You earn, you spend, and somehow the money disappears faster than you can track. This is the daily reality for thousands of Pakistani SMEs in 2026, where global inflation has made every single business decision harder than it used to be. From the small garments shop in Lahore to the auto-parts manufacturer in Gujranwala, almost every owner is asking the same question: how do we survive when costs keep going up but customers keep buying less?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, inflation rose to 7.3% in March 2026, with month-on-month CPI jumping by 1.18%. That number may look smaller than the 30% inflation we saw in 2023, but for small business owners, the pain feels exactly the same because their input costs are rising even faster than the official numbers show. Finhisaab<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this blog, we will break down how the global inflation impact Pakistan is feeling right now is hitting our SMEs, what challenges they are facing, and what real strategies can help them survive and grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_happening_with_inflation_globally_and_locally\"><\/span><b>What is happening with inflation globally and locally?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global inflation is not just a &#8220;Pakistan problem.&#8221; It started with COVID-19 disruptions, got worse with the Russia-Ukraine war, and now continues because of energy shocks, shipping costs, and weak supply chains. When global prices rise, Pakistan imports that inflation directly because we depend heavily on imports for fuel, machinery, and raw materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the simple chain:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global oil prices go up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pakistan&#8217;s import bill increases<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rupee comes under pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imported goods become expensive<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local manufacturers pay more for raw materials<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final product prices rise for the customer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is exactly what we mean by imported inflation Pakistan is experiencing. According to a recent Optimus Capital report, energy inflation is the main driver behind Pakistan&#8217;s stubborn price levels, with year-on-year energy costs expected to near 30 percent. For Pakistani SMEs, this means production costs are rising whether they like it or not. ANI News<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Pakistani_SMEs_are_hit_harder_than_big_companies\"><\/span><b>Why Pakistani SMEs are hit harder than<a href=\"https:\/\/tagco.pk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> big companies<\/a>?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big corporations have backup plans. They have foreign currency reserves, hedging contracts, large credit lines, and bargaining power with suppliers. Pakistani SMEs do not have any of these luxuries. They run on tight cash flow, daily sales, and personal relationships with suppliers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When inflation hits, large companies can absorb the shock for months. SMEs cannot survive even a few weeks of unexpected cost increases. This is why inflation affecting SMEs Pakistan is such a serious topic right now because the backbone of our economy is bending under the pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pakistani SMEs employ around 78% of the non-agricultural workforce and contribute nearly 40% to the GDP. If they collapse, the entire economy shakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Currency_devaluation_and_the_dollar_rate_effect_on_business_Pakistan\"><\/span><b>Currency devaluation and the dollar rate effect on business Pakistan<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the biggest headaches for Pakistani SMEs is currency movement. The US dollar settled at 278.90 Pakistani rupees in April 2026, and while the rupee has stayed relatively stable in recent months, the damage from past devaluations is still being felt today. Pakistanfrontier<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is how rupee depreciation impact SME businesses experience plays out:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An importer who used to bring in raw material at PKR 150 per dollar now pays around PKR 279 per dollar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LCs (Letters of Credit) cost more<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loan repayments in foreign currency become heavier<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even local suppliers raise prices because they too are paying more for imported components<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This dollar rate effect on business Pakistan is creating a domino effect. Even a small kiryana store owner ends up paying more for sugar, oil, and packaged goods because somewhere in the supply chain, dollars were involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Pakistani SMEs that deal with imports\u00a0 whether it is electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, or auto parts\u00a0 every rupee of devaluation eats directly into their profit margins.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/contact\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1577\" src=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12.jpg\" alt=\"Pakistani SMEs\" width=\"5000\" height=\"3333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12.jpg 5000w, https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-Global-Inflation-Is-Affecting-Pakistani-SMEs-Right-Now-12-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5000px) 100vw, 5000px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_supply_chain_inflation_Pakistan_is_experiencing\"><\/span><b>The supply chain inflation Pakistan is experiencing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supply chains are still recovering from the COVID era, and now new disruptions keep adding pressure. Restricted operations at the Afghan border continue to hinder smooth commodity flows, causing periodic price distortions. ANI News<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Pakistani SMEs, supply chain problems mean:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Longer delivery times:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 what used to take 2 weeks now takes 6 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Higher freight costs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0shipping containers cost more than they did before COVID<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stock shortages:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 sometimes raw materials are simply unavailable at any price<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Quality drops:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> desperate buyers settle for inferior alternatives<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This raw material price increase Pakistan is forcing SMEs to either reduce production, pass costs to customers, or compromise on quality. None of these options are good.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_fuel_and_utility_shock_for_Pakistani_SMEs\"><\/span><b>Energy, fuel, and utility shock for Pakistani SMEs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is probably the heaviest blow right now. Energy price increase Pakistan businesses are facing has become unbearable for many factory owners and shopkeepers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The challenges include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electricity bills going up by 30-50% in the last two years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas tariffs doubling for industrial users<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petrol and diesel prices crossing PKR 270 per litre<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generator running costs becoming a major monthly expense<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a small textile factory in Faisalabad or a steel workshop in Gujranwala, the fuel price impact SME Pakistan owners are facing can mean the difference between profit and loss in a single month. Utility bills increase business Pakistan owners now spend a huge portion of revenue just on energy \u2014 sometimes 25 to 35% of total operating costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pakistani SMEs running production lines, cold storage, or shops with heavy lighting are especially vulnerable. Many have started shifting to solar, but the upfront investment is too high for small players without proper financing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wage_inflation_and_employee_salary_pressure\"><\/span><b>Wage inflation and employee salary pressure<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When prices of food, rent, and transport rise, employees naturally demand higher salaries. They are not wrong they cannot survive on old wages either. But for Pakistani SMEs, this wage inflation Pakistan is creating a tough situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners are stuck between two fires:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they don&#8217;t raise salaries, good employees leave<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they raise salaries, their already-shrinking profit margins disappear<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The employee salary pressure inflation has caused many small businesses to either reduce headcount, cut working hours, or freeze hiring entirely. This is bad for the economy because unemployed people spend less, which reduces demand even further.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_inflation_is_affecting_profit_margins\"><\/span><b>How inflation is affecting profit margins<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a brutal truth about how inflation affects small business operations: profit margins are the first to die.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s take a simple example. A bakery owner in Karachi:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flour cost increased 40% in two years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugar cost increased 50%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas cost doubled<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worker salaries increased 25%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But customers refuse to pay more than 20% extra for bread<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Result?<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Margins shrink from 20% to 5%. One bad month and the business is in loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This profit margins inflation pressure is the silent killer of Pakistani SMEs. Many businesses look like they are running fine from outside, but inside, the owner is barely making minimum wage himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manufacturing_cost_increase_Pakistan_SMEs_are_dealing_with\"><\/span><b>Manufacturing cost increase Pakistan SMEs are dealing with<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Pakistani SMEs in manufacturing, the cost of doing business Pakistan has gone up across every category. The manufacturing cost increase Pakistan factories are facing includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imported machinery and spare parts cost 80-100% more than five years ago<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raw chemicals, dyes, and packaging materials have doubled<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Labor costs have risen 25-40%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transportation per consignment has gone up 50%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quality testing and certification costs are higher<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add interest rates on top of all this. Pakistan&#8217;s interest rate currently stands at 11.5% after the central bank increased it from 10.5%. This means interest rate hike impact business owners feel directly, especially those who took working capital loans. Country Economy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The loan repayment inflation pressure combined with rising operational costs is pushing many SMEs toward default.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_consumer_spending_inflation_Pakistan_is_affecting_demand\"><\/span><b>How consumer spending inflation Pakistan is affecting demand<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflation does not just raise costs it also kills demand. When customers&#8217; purchasing power drops, they cut spending on non-essential items. This is the inflation impact on purchasing power in real life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pakistani families are now:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying less clothing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating out less often<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaying big purchases like fridges, ACs, and bikes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shifting to cheaper local brands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing entertainment and travel spending<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This consumer spending inflation Pakistan is causing demand reduction inflation, which directly leads to business revenue decline inflation for SMEs. So the SME is squeezed from both sides costs rising, revenue falling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This combination is what economists call stagflation. Some experts are already worried about stagflation Pakistan economy could be entering, where prices rise but growth stays flat. This is the worst possible scenario for inflation recession Pakistan small business owners want to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SBP_policy_and_what_it_means_for_Pakistani_SMEs\"><\/span><b>SBP policy and what it means for Pakistani SMEs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The State Bank of Pakistan has been balancing two goals: controlling inflation and supporting growth. The SBP inflation policy approach has mostly been to keep interest rates high, which fights inflation but also makes borrowing expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Pakistani SMEs, this creates a problem. Inflation and business loans Pakistan banks offer are now charging interest rates of 16-22% for SMEs, which is hard to repay when business is already slow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So the question becomes: do you take a loan to grow, or do you avoid the loan and risk falling behind?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inflation_survival_strategies_SME_owners_can_apply_right_now\"><\/span><b>Inflation survival strategies SME owners can apply right now<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let&#8217;s get practical. Here are real, working inflation survival strategies SME owners can implement today. These are not theory\u00a0 these are tactics being used by smart Pakistani SMEs that are actually surviving and even growing in this environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smarter pricing strategies during inflation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You cannot avoid raising prices forever. But you can do it intelligently. Inflation pricing strategies business owners should follow include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gradual increases instead of one big jump<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiered pricing\u00a0 basic, standard, premium versions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bundling products so customers feel they get value<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charging for premium add-ons rather than raising base price<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honest communication\u00a0 tell customers why prices increased<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is price increase without losing customers. Most customers understand inflation. They just need transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_pass-through_strategies_that_work\"><\/span><b>Cost pass-through strategies that work<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The art is in cost pass-through strategies passing on rising costs without scaring customers away. Smart SMEs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass on 60-70% of cost increases, absorb the rest temporarily<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve packaging or service quality slightly to justify higher price<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer loyalty discounts to retain regular customers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bundle slow-moving items with hot sellers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is how to maintain profit during inflation without losing market share.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_cutting_and_operational_efficiency\"><\/span><b>Cost cutting and operational efficiency<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you cannot increase revenue easily, you must reduce costs. Cost cutting strategies inflation experts recommend include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Energy audits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to cut utility waste<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inventory tightening: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0don&#8217;t tie up cash in slow stock<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Process automation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 even small WhatsApp-based order systems save hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outsourcing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> non-core tasks to freelancers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Renegotiating ren<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t, vendor contracts, and service fees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The focus should be on operational efficiency during inflation, doing more with less.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inventory management during inflation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inventory is one of the trickiest areas. Hold too much, and your cash gets stuck. Hold too little, and you miss sales when prices jump again.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inventory management during inflation best practices include:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bulk buying inflation strategy for items with stable demand and rising prices<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just-in-time ordering for items with unstable prices<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ABC analysis\u00a0 focus 80% of effort on the top 20% items<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building safety stock for critical raw materials only<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supplier_negotiation_and_alternative_sourcing\"><\/span><b>Supplier negotiation and alternative sourcing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where many SMEs are missing opportunities. Supplier negotiation inflation strategies that work:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask for longer credit terms (45-60 days instead of 30)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lock in prices for 3-6 months<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pool orders with other small businesses to get bulk pricing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for alternative suppliers Pakistan options in different cities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare local sourcing vs imports inflation carefully, sometimes local is cheaper now<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many SMEs are surprised to find local Pakistani suppliers can match imported quality at 30-40% lower cost, especially in textiles, packaging, and basic chemicals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Financial_planning_and_cash_flow_management\"><\/span><b>Financial planning and cash flow management<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cash is king in inflation. Financial planning during inflation must focus on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cash flow management inflation plans\u00a0 track weekly, not monthly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building 3-6 months of operating expenses as a buffer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding long-term contracts at fixed prices<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using digital tools (even free ones) for accounting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Separating personal and business finances completely<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The working capital inflation pressure is real, so SMEs need tighter financial discipline than ever before.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inflation_hedging_for_small_business\"><\/span><b>Inflation hedging for small business<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&#8217;t need to be a multinational to hedge. Inflation hedging for small business can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying raw materials in advance when you sense prices will rise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping some savings in dollar-denominated accounts (within legal limits)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investing in productive assets (machinery, real estate) instead of cash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diversifying revenue across multiple products and customer segments<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building inflation resistant business models<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The smartest SMEs are redesigning their businesses to be inflation-proof. Inflation resistant business models typically have:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong pricing power during inflation (unique products customers can&#8217;t get elsewhere)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-margin niches instead of competing on lowest price<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong value proposition inflation customers willingly pay extra for<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recurring revenue (subscriptions, service contracts, retainers)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple supplier relationships<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital sales channels alongside physical<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_bigger_picture_for_SME_challenges_Pakistan_2026\"><\/span><b>The bigger picture for SME challenges Pakistan 2026<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we zoom out and look at the SME challenges Pakistan 2026 is facing, the picture is mixed. Yes, inflation is hurting. Yes, costs are high. But there are also opportunities:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local manufacturing is gaining ground as imports become expensive<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital adoption is accelerating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Export-oriented SMEs benefit from rupee depreciation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New markets in Central Asia and Africa are opening up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government and IMF reforms are stabilizing the macro environment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inflation impact analysis Pakistan SME sector experts have done shows that businesses which adapted in 2022-2023 are now stronger than ever. The ones that ignored the warning signs are the ones struggling today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is not the time to panic. This is the time to make smart, calculated moves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Msafdar_Can_Help_Pakistani_SMEs_Navigate_Inflation_Successfully\"><\/span><b>How <a href=\"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/\">Msafdar<\/a> Can Help Pakistani SMEs Navigate Inflation Successfully<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Msafdar, we understand exactly what Pakistani SMEs are going through, because we work with them every single day. Inflation is not just an economic statistic for us\u00a0 it is the daily struggle of our clients trying to keep their businesses alive and growing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is how we can help your business survive and thrive in this inflationary environment:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business Strategy Consulting tailored for inflation survival, helping you redesign pricing, sourcing, and operations to protect margins.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial Planning and Cash Flow Management support so you always know where your money is going and how to optimize it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Transformation services that help you cut costs through automation and reach new customers online without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom Solutions for SMEs based on your specific industry, whether it is manufacturing, retail, services, or trading.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We don&#8217;t believe in expensive corporate-style consulting that small businesses cannot afford. We work with realistic budgets and deliver practical solutions that show results in weeks, not years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are a startup feeling the pressure for the first time or an established SME trying to find a way through this inflationary storm, Msafdar is here to walk with you, step by step. Let&#8217;s turn this challenge into your biggest growth opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact Msafdar today for a free consultation, and let&#8217;s build a stronger, smarter, inflation-proof business together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Q1. What is the current inflation rate in Pakistan in 2026?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pakistan&#8217;s inflation rate was 7.3% in March 2026, with month-on-month CPI rising by 1.18%, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Energy and transport costs are the main drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Q2. How does global inflation affect Pakistani SMEs?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global inflation raises the cost of imported raw materials, fuel, and machinery. Pakistani SMEs feel this through higher production costs, expensive utilities, and shrinking profit margins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Q3. What is the biggest challenge for Pakistani SMEs right now?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest challenges are rising energy costs, expensive raw materials, currency pressure on imports, and reduced consumer spending due to weakened purchasing power.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Q4. Should SMEs raise prices during inflation?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but gradually and with clear communication to customers. Sudden price hikes can lose customers, while absorbing all costs destroys profit margins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Q5. How can small businesses in Pakistan reduce costs during inflation?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on energy efficiency, supplier renegotiation, inventory optimization, automation of basic tasks, and finding local alternatives to imported materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Q6. Is it safe to take a business loan during high inflation?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only if the loan generates returns higher than the interest rate. With current rates near 11.5% and SME bank rates at 16-22%, business loans should be used carefully for revenue-generating investments only.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Q7. How can Msafdar help my SME during this inflation period?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Msafdar offers customized consulting, digital marketing, financial planning, and branding services specifically designed for Pakistani SMEs facing inflationary pressure. Contact us for a free consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Running a small business in Pakistan today feels like trying to fill a bucket that has a hole at the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1576,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1475],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-smes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1575"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1575\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1578,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1575\/revisions\/1578"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msafdar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}