KARACHI: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasized the need for Pakistan to move beyond short-term, reactive economic measures and adopt a proactive, reform-oriented approach to ensure long-term stability and growth.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 9th Edition of The Future Summit in Karachi, the minister outlined the government’s commitment to structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and strategic partnerships aimed at redefining the country’s economic trajectory.
Aurangzeb noted that Pakistan has achieved macroeconomic stability, validated by international institutions, with major credit rating agencies upgrading the country’s outlook and the IMF’s second review under the ongoing program concluding successfully.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to build an enabling ecosystem in key sectors including minerals and mining, IT, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the blue economy, to attract investment and boost competitiveness.
Highlighting progress in the technology and digital economy, the minister welcomed Google’s decision to open an office in Pakistan and transform the country into a regional technical and export hub.
He underscored the importance of equipping youth with digital and technical skills to tap opportunities in coding, blockchain, and AI-driven industries.
Aurangzeb also shared updates on the government’s institutional reform agenda, including the right-sizing of federal ministries and departments, closure of loss-making state enterprises such as the Utility Stores Corporation and PASCO, and the introduction of a defined-contribution pension scheme for new government employees.
