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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured the Pakistan Business Council of the government’s commitment to reforms, investment growth, and macroeconomic stability.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen economic reforms, attract investment, and create a stable business environment during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) at the Finance Division. The delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Javed Kureishi and Chairperson Dr. Zeelaf Munir.
The minister briefed the PBC leadership on the state of the economy, emphasizing that macroeconomic indicators are improving. He highlighted ongoing reforms, including restructuring state-owned enterprises, accelerating privatization, and right-sizing the public sector. According to him, these steps are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability.
Aurangzeb stressed the importance of maintaining exchange rate stability and predictable policy rates, noting that these trends are expected to continue. He said the government’s objective is to sustain macroeconomic stability while providing an enabling environment for businesses and investors. He further underscored the government’s recognition of the need to upgrade port, road, and rail infrastructure to strengthen domestic commerce and expand opportunities for international trade.
Discussing trade prospects, the minister shared details of tariff negotiations with the United States, which he said could provide Pakistani exporters with new competitive advantages. He encouraged PBC and other representative bodies to lead targeted business-to-business engagements to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows.
Aurangzeb also drew attention to the outcomes of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China. He said the visit featured high-level dialogues, extensive private sector representation, and the establishment of specialized working groups. These engagements, he noted, have already yielded multiple memorandums of understanding, demonstrating the government’s determination to deepen bilateral economic ties with Beijing.
In a structural reform measure, the minister announced that the government has decided to relocate the Tax Policy Office from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to the Finance Division. The move aims to ensure that tax policy aligns more directly with broader economic policymaking, signaling a shift toward integrated fiscal governance.
He also touched upon the ongoing flood situation, noting that the government is prioritizing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. Drawing lessons from the 2020 floods, Aurangzeb said the administration is committed to more targeted and need-based assessments to minimize future risks.
On inflation, the finance minister expressed confidence that pressures would remain contained, supported by easing global oil prices that are curbing imported inflation. He said the Prime Minister’s Steering Committee on Inflation, which has already met under his chairmanship, is closely monitoring developments and will meet again later this week.
The PBC delegation welcomed the minister’s remarks, commending the government’s economic direction and reform measures. They assured their support in policy research and consultations and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue with policymakers.
Analysts note that the government’s engagement with PBC comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to consolidate fragile economic stability under an IMF-backed program while simultaneously attracting foreign investment. With structural reforms and regional trade initiatives underway, business leaders view the dialogue as a positive signal that the government is willing to engage the private sector in shaping its long-term economic strategy.
Concluding the session, Aurangzeb reiterated that the government will maintain its reform agenda and work to expand trade opportunities, particularly by leveraging international partnerships. He stated that business confidence is crucial to achieving sustainable growth and that Pakistan’s economic trajectory depends on strong collaboration between the government and the private sector.
The finance minister’s reassurances, coupled with PBC’s commitment to policy cooperation, underscore a joint effort to stabilize Pakistan’s economy, expand trade, and lay the groundwork for sustainable development.
