Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s fiscal and external balances, rising foreign exchange reserves, credit rating upgrades and renewed access to international capital markets as evidence of economic progress.
Speaking at a roundtable with institutional investors organized by Jefferies International on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Aurangzeb said Pakistan must build on these gains and focus on sustainable, export-led economic growth.
The finance minister attended the meeting alongside Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal and State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad. Discussions covered progress under Pakistan’s IMF programme, debt management and potential financing options, including Sukuk, additional Panda bond issuance and tokenization.
Aurangzeb also highlighted privatisation opportunities and the importance of expanding business-to-business trade and investment to support economic activity and attract foreign capital.
Discussing fiscal reforms, he outlined government efforts to broaden the tax base, implement agricultural income tax, strengthen digital enforcement and improve coordination between federal and provincial governments to achieve fiscal targets.
The delegation also addressed concerns related to regional geopolitical tensions, energy security, liquefied natural gas (LNG) obligations and Pakistan’s economic engagement with the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing economic reforms and strengthening investor confidence, stressing the need to sustain progress and create a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth.