Govt focused on stability, investment, energy security

March 09, 2026 (MLN): Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving the investment climate.

He also emphasized ensuring energy security during a meeting with a delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at the Ministry of Finance.

The delegation, led by RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf and President Usman Shaukat, discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook, key concerns of the business community and insights from the chamber’s recent business outreach visit to the United States.

Welcoming the delegation, the finance minister appreciated RCCI’s efforts to engage policymakers, business leaders and economic institutions in the United States, noting that such initiatives help showcase Pakistan’s economic potential and strengthen commercial relations with global partners.

Senator Aurangzeb said the government had implemented several difficult but necessary policy measures over the past months to stabilize the economy and improve key macroeconomic indicators.

According to him, these steps have contributed to restoring investor confidence and rebuilding trust among international partners.

He emphasized that while stabilizing the economy was an essential first step, the government’s next priority is to translate that stability into sustained investment, higher industrial activity and employment generation.

The finance minister highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve the overall investment environment, including efforts under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

He noted that reforms are being introduced to streamline regulatory approvals, enhance coordination among institutions and facilitate investments in priority sectors of the economy.

Aurangzeb acknowledged that investor confidence depends not only on economic indicators but also on policy predictability, regulatory transparency and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms.

He added that feedback gathered by RCCI during its US engagements would be carefully reviewed to help shape future economic policy.

On taxation, the finance minister stressed the importance of regular consultation with chambers of commerce and industry bodies. He said the government aims to design tax policies that support economic growth while ensuring fairness and transparency.

Aurangzeb noted that efforts are underway to broaden the tax base, improve compliance through digital systems and modernize tax administration, while also addressing legitimate concerns raised by businesses.

During the meeting, the finance minister also briefed the delegation on the evolving global energy situation and the government’s preparedness to manage potential supply disruptions. He said ensuring uninterrupted availability of fuel and energy remains a key priority for the government.

He informed the delegation that the prime minister has chaired several high-level meetings to monitor the energy situation, with federal and provincial authorities closely coordinating to track fuel stocks, supply chains and market conditions.

Aurangzeb said the government is continuously monitoring the availability of petrol, diesel, crude oil, LNG and LPG to ensure stable supplies amid global uncertainties.

He added that timely price adjustments are sometimes necessary to maintain market stability and keep supply chains functioning smoothly.

The finance minister further said that measures related to energy conservation and responsible consumption are also being considered to manage demand while protecting economic activity.

Earlier, RCCI President Usman Shaukat briefed the meeting on the chamber’s recent visit to the United States, where the delegation sought to explore new avenues for economic cooperation and strengthen business connectivity between Pakistan and the US.

He said the RCCI delegation held 14 meetings in Washington, DC and New York with US lawmakers, senators, economic development organizations and business chambers.

According to Shaukat, the discussions were positive and reflected growing interest among American stakeholders in expanding economic engagement with Pakistan.

The RCCI president said the talks covered potential collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information technology, mining and minerals, steel, construction and automobiles.

He noted that American counterparts encouraged Pakistani businesses to move beyond traditional exports and explore joint ventures and investment partnerships that could create mutually beneficial economic opportunities.

Shaukat also highlighted interactions with organizations including the US-Pakistan Business Council, the US Department of State, the Department of Commerce and SelectUSA, along with business groups in New York and New Jersey.

These engagements, he said, indicated promising opportunities for mid-scale investments and stronger private-sector collaboration between the two countries.

He added that meetings with Pakistani-origin entrepreneurs and technology professionals in the US further demonstrated the potential for cooperation in emerging sectors such as technology, healthcare and innovation.

Members of the RCCI delegation, including Group Leader Sohail Altaf and representatives from industries such as pharmaceuticals, IT, manufacturing, automobiles and mining, also shared their views during the meeting.

They emphasized the need to build on the government’s macroeconomic stabilization by introducing policies that further promote investment, expand exports and improve the ease of doing business in Pakistan.

Delegates also highlighted the importance of reducing procedural hurdles and strengthening coordination among regulatory institutions.

Concluding the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed RCCI’s outreach efforts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic reforms, investment promotion and close engagement with the business community.

The RCCI delegation appreciated the minister’s briefing on the economy, taxation framework and energy situation, expressing confidence that continued dialogue between policymakers and the private sector would help strengthen investor confidence and support Pakistan’s economic growth.

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