Pakistan’s economy shows signs of stability, moving towards growth: Finance Minister

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Tuesday expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic trajectory, stating that the country is demonstrating strong performance across both internal and external sectors, paving the way for sustainable growth.

Addressing the High-Level EU–Pakistan Business Forum 2026, the finance minister highlighted that key economic indicators, including foreign exchange reserves, remittances, taxation, tariffs, and public debt, are showing encouraging trends, reflecting overall macroeconomic stability.

The Minister underscored that economic stability forms the foundation for long-term development, while reiterating that sustained economic growth remains the government’s foremost priority.

Aurangzeb noted that wide-ranging structural reforms are underway in critical sectors, including privatization, rightsizing of public institutions, tax system improvements, and public debt management.

He added that these measures are already contributing positively to the country’s economic outlook.

Discussing Pakistan’s economic ties with the European Union, the minister said the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination.

The forum, he explained, aims to deepen, diversify, and promote environmentally sustainable trade relations.

He also announced the launch of the EU–Pakistan Business Network, which connects over 300 European companies operating in Pakistan.

Providing an update on external accounts, Aurangzeb revealed that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached $18 billion, sufficient to cover three months of imports. He further shared that investments under the Roshan Digital Account have gained momentum, rising from an average of $200 million per month to $260 million in March.

The minister also highlighted a notable increase in workers’ remittances, attributing it to growing confidence among overseas Pakistanis.

Remittances reached $3.8 billion in March, marking a 17 percent increase compared to February.

For the first nine months of the current fiscal year, total remittances stood at $30.3 billion, with projections indicating they could exceed $41 billion by year-end.

Despite global economic uncertainties, Aurangzeb said remittance inflows remain stable and are expected to grow further. He added that international credit rating agencies have begun issuing more positive outlooks on Pakistan’s economy, reflecting greater confidence in its direction.

Touching on emerging sectors, the finance minister pointed to developments in the digital and “new economy,” particularly cryptocurrency and freelancing, where Pakistan’s youth are playing a key role in enhancing the country’s global economic presence.

He also emphasized progress in privatization efforts, noting that public-private partnerships are being leveraged to improve the productivity of key state-owned entities, thereby supporting long-term sustainability.

In the energy sector, Aurangzeb highlighted ongoing reforms, including initiatives in renewable energy, which he described as critical for industrial expansion and economic resilience.

He further stressed the strategic importance of Pakistan’s seaports, Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port in facilitating trade and driving future economic growth.

Reaffirming the government’s economic vision, the minister said the strategy centers on “Pakistan Rising: Incentives, Reforms, and the next Investment Frontier,” with a focus on improving the business climate, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, and enhancing overall economic resilience.

In concluding remarks, Aurangzeb reiterated that sustainable economic growth, structural reforms, and increased investment remain at the core of the government’s agenda as Pakistan moves steadily toward economic stability.