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Pakistan Says Economy Stabilized, Pivots to Export-Led Growth

In a USA Today interview, the finance chief highlighted fresh fiscal and external surpluses to underscore stabilization.

Overview

  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reported a primary budget surplus alongside a current account surplus for the first time in several years.
  • Inflation has fallen from a peak near 38 percent to single-digit levels, with officials linking cooler prices to recent fiscal and monetary steps.
  • Foreign exchange reserves have climbed past $14.5 billion and a steadier currency has helped rebuild investor confidence.
  • Policy is shifting toward exports with priority sectors including information technology, agriculture and minerals, as IT exports are reported above $4 billion with expectations for further gains.
  • Reforms in taxation, the energy sector and state-owned enterprises continue, with privatization and tariff rationalization flagged as next steps, while growth of 2.7 percent is acknowledged as below long-term needs.