Pakistan's next growth phase rests on exports, investment

July 27, 2026 (MLN): The government's economic priorities have shifted from stabilization to sustainable growth, anchored in higher exports, greater investment, fiscal discipline and continued structural reforms.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb made these remarks during an interactive session with participants of the URAAN Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme, a six-week internship initiative of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives that brings overseas Pakistani students and young scholars from leading international universities to engage with public institutions.

Welcoming the participants at the Finance Division, Senator Aurangzeb commended the initiative for deepening ties with Pakistan's young global talent and urged the scholars to stay connected with the country, encouraging them to channel their knowledge, innovation and international exposure toward its long-term economic development, said a press release issued.

Briefing participants on the economic outlook, the Minister pointed to macroeconomic stability achieved over the past two and a half years and said the government's reform agenda was now geared toward durable growth.

On external financing, Senator Aurangzeb noted improvements in Pakistan's sovereign credit profile and the country's renewed access to international capital markets, citing the inaugural Panda Bond issuance as a milestone.

He said the government was working to diversify financing sources through innovative instruments, adding that these developments signal rising international confidence in Pakistan's reform trajectory.

The Minister also updated participants on the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), describing it as a modern regulatory framework meant to encourage responsible innovation in digital assets while strengthening oversight and positioning Pakistan to tap emerging opportunities in digital finance.

On the business environment, Senator Aurangzeb outlined steps to lower the cost of doing business through rationalized taxation, affordable financing and competitive energy pricing, alongside reforms to bolster export competitiveness.

He stressed that productivity, innovation and export diversification were key to strengthening Pakistan's competitiveness and sustaining growth.

The session included a question-and-answer segment in which participants raised issues spanning economic reforms, export promotion, climate finance and investment opportunities.

Senator Aurangzeb encouraged the scholars to apply their education, research and international exposure toward Pakistan's economic transformation, reaffirming the government's commitment to creating avenues for young professionals to contribute to the country's future.

Copyright Mettis Link News