Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic reforms and targeted subsidies for low-income families during a meeting with the International Monetary Fund’s managing director in Bangkok on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) meeting on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings, Aurangzeb said subsidies should be budget-neutral, targeted and time-bound to protect vulnerable groups and preserve social cohesion.
He highlighted Pakistan’s recent economic progress, including a fiscal deficit at a 22-year low, three consecutive years of primary surpluses and economic growth of 3.7 percent. He also cited foreign exchange reserves at a historic high, sufficient to cover three months of imports, alongside stronger buffers against climate-related and regional shocks.
Aurangzeb pointed to sovereign credit rating upgrades, Pakistan’s September Eurobond issuance and the October 7 IMF staff-level agreement as further signs of progress.
He also called for diversified energy sources and trade routes, deeper regional integration, and greater investment in logistics and food systems. The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and said the country was ready to contribute actively to regional cooperation.
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