ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed optimism that Pakistan’s economic growth will reach or exceed 4% during the current fiscal year, while briefing international investors on the country’s economic outlook and reform priorities at the Citi Macro Forum.
The finance minister highlighted continued macroeconomic stabilisation, three consecutive years of primary budget surpluses, a fiscal deficit at a 22-year low and strengthened foreign exchange reserves.
Outlining Pakistan’s capital market strategy, Aurangzeb discussed plans for further Panda bond issuances, Sukuk and a rupee-denominated, dollar-settled international bond. He said the strategy aimed to diversify funding sources, reduce borrowing costs and extend debt maturities.
He also discussed progress under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, including efforts to broaden the tax base, strengthen enforcement and improve coordination with provincial governments to maintain fiscal discipline.
Addressing the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, the finance minister outlined measures to ensure energy supplies and provide targeted relief to vulnerable groups within existing budgetary allocations.
Discussions also covered climate resilience, disaster preparedness and the effective utilisation of development financing.
Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustained economic reforms and a transition from aid towards trade and investment in its international partnerships.