After Stability, Pakistan Aims for Sustainable, Export-Focused Growth: Minister

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said Pakistan has achieved major progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, with inflation dropping sharply from 23 percent to 4.5 percent and improvements in the tax-to-GDP ratio marking a turnaround in fiscal performance. Speaking at a press conference, Kayani said these gains reflect the results of consistent policy reforms and collective national effort. “We have achieved stability. Now the next phase is sustainable growth,” he said, adding that the government’s strategy is centered on export promotion and investment facilitation. Kayani emphasized that the focus is on transforming Pakistan into an export-oriented economy capable of sustaining growth without repeatedly turning to external assistance. “Our goal is to find permanent solutions so that we no longer have to return to the IMF,” he said. He added that agriculture will be a key driver of future exports, with sector-specific working groups formed under the Prime Minister’s directives preparing targeted recommendations. These groups include experts from income tax, customs, energy, ports, railways, agriculture, and industry, and are being chaired by private-sector leaders to ensure practical, business-friendly outcomes. On privatization, Kayani confirmed that the First Women Bank’s privatization has been completed, while positive progress is being made toward PIA’s privatization, expected next month. He also noted that the Prime Minister recently held a three-hour meeting with the business community, where participants shared detailed feedback to guide the next phase of economic policy. “The working groups are building on that discussion to develop actionable strategies for exports and sustainable growth,” he added. Kayani said the National Tariff Commission is being strengthened to make it more effective and ensure fair trade practices. He also reaffirmed that both sections of the ML-1 railway project are targeted for completion by 2028. Concluding his remarks, the minister said that foreign and domestic investment is already showing signs of recovery, and the government is determined to make the business environment even more attractive for investors.