ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s senior policymakers and business leaders underscored macroeconomic stability, reform momentum, and investment-focused governance at the Pakistan Policy Dialogue in Islamabad, positioning the forum as a signal of renewed economic confidence for international investors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had achieved macroeconomic stabilization and now needed growth led by the private sector.
“We are not talking about any other country,” Dar said. “We’re talking about Pakistan.”
“Macroeconomic stability in the country,” the deputy PM said, citing lower interest rates, improved export financing and rising foreign exchange reserves.
He added that while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program are “generally anti-growth,” the government’s focus is now on sustaining stability and unlocking growth potential.
The dialogue brought together federal ministers, economic advisers, corporate leaders and development experts to discuss reforms spanning exports, digital infrastructure, climate resilience and institutional strengthening.
Khurram Schehzad, adviser to the finance minister, said the dominant sentiment at the forum was confidence tempered with realism.
“Everyone is confident, everyone is positive, and of course, at the same time, critical as well,” Schehzad said, pointing to recent macroeconomic gains and reforms as key takeaways, talking to Pakistan TV Digital.
Digital infrastructure and investor accessibility featured prominently in the discussions.
Mujeeb Zahoor, managing director at S&P Global, said sustained investment in connectivity and enabling policy frameworks was critical to attract global capital.
He emphasized the need for regulations that allow institutional investors and private markets to participate more effectively in Pakistan’s economy.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said inclusive growth required a sharper focus on human capital, particularly youth and women.
“We have to empower our youth and women, the drivers of economic growth,” Iqbal said, noting Pakistan’s young demographic profile and low female workforce participation, talking to Pakistan TV Digital.
Participants said the Dialogue reflected a broader effort to project policy continuity and reform discipline at a time when Pakistan is seeking long-term investment, export-led growth and resilience against economic and climate shocks.
