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ISLAMABAD: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan visited Pakistan this week for talks centered on bilateral economic ties and ongoing financial cooperation between the two countries, the Finance Ministry stated Saturday. In an official statement on X (Twitter), the ministry stated that Pakistan&rsquo;s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb personally escorted his Saudi counterpart to Islamabad International Airport upon his departure on Friday. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042824446013247809&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F5223%2F&sessionId=34e7eff16c3aa34b759e948f3c58ce11e5be3e0f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div><div class="fr-embed"><div> The two ministers had exchanged remarks on the bilateral relationship and the state of economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.</div></div> Pakistan&rsquo;s finance minister said he plans to meet Al-Jadaan again on the sidelines of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-minister-to-discuss-reform-progress-during-imf-meetings-in-washington" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Bank Group&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings</a>&nbsp;in Washington. The gathering, set for April 13&ndash;18, will bring together central bankers, government ministers and other stakeholders to discuss economic growth, debt and geopolitical shifts. The visit comes as Islamabad is navigating an unusually intense diplomatic calendar. US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf both arrived in the Pakistani capital on Saturday for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/islamabad-talks" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan-mediated talks</a>&nbsp;over a ceasefire set to expire on April 22, 2026. Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described those talks as a &quot;make-or-break moment,&quot; a backdrop that lends additional weight to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/five-things-to-know-about-the-planned-iranus-talks-in-islamabad" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Islamabad&#39;s engagements</a>&nbsp;on the economic front with one of its closest Gulf partners.

Pakistan Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, left, talks with Saudi Arabia Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Jadaan during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, April 10, 2026. (Ministry of Finance/X)

Economy

Saudi Finance Minister Al-Jadaan met his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad, with both sides planning to follow up at the World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington.

Saudi finance minister holds talks in Pakistan on economic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s renewable energy capacity shielded the country from an energy crisis despite regional oil supply disruptions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Tuesday, as the government moves to accelerate a sweeping clean energy expansion and protect export routes to Gulf markets. According to an official statement released by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, PM Sharif chaired a meeting on long-term power supply planning and the outlook for domestic exports amid current international pressures. He directed officials to formulate a comprehensive national action plan to expand renewable energy sources. He also ordered the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to arrange vessels to boost export volumes through sea routes. Renewables currently account for 55% of Pakistan&#39;s total electricity generation, with fossil fuels making up the remaining 45%. The government is targeting a 90% renewable share within ten years, with biofuels comprising the remaining 10%. The prime minister ordered work on the Battery Energy Storage System project to be fast-tracked. &quot;Solar energy and other renewable energy sources are the future of the power sector,&quot; he said. On trade, PM Sharif said Pakistani exports to Gulf countries have continued despite recent global tensions. He credited diplomatic efforts for securing uninterrupted access to those markets. Demand for Pakistani agricultural commodities in the Gulf has risen steadily, officials reported during the briefing. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Dr Mosaddeq Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding long term energy planning and export strategy during current international situation, in Islamabad on 7 April 2026. (PMO)

Pakistan’s renewable energy now generates 55% of electricity, shielding it from regional oil disruptions. PM Shahbaz Sharif aims for 90% renewables in a decade while securing Gulf export routes.

Pakistan to expand renewable energy to shield economy, exports amid Middle East crisis

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on Thursday, unlocking roughly $1.2 billion in financing pending board approval, the international financial institute said Friday. According to a statement released by IMF Communications Department, the agreement concludes the third review of a 37-month Extended Fund Facility and the second review of a 28-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility arrangement. Pakistan would draw approximately $1 billion from the EFF and $210 million from the RSF once the board signs off. Cumulative payouts across both programs would then stand at around $4.5 billion. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2037723932879716834&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4953%2F&sessionId=e1b7b50440a792e14968d3461c374ec3c99eddd9&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Third Review for the 37-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Second Review for 28-month Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) &ndash; Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/hYPsALIpbn" style="color: rgb(0, 115, 230);">https://t.co/hYPsALIpbn</a>&mdash; Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Financegovpk/status/2037723932879716834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" style="color: rgb(0, 115, 230);">March 28, 2026</a></blockquote></div> The deal remains subject to approval by the Fund&#39;s Executive Board. Iva Petrova led the IMF delegation during in-person talks with Pakistani officials in Karachi and Islamabad from Feb. 25 to March 2. Discussions continued remotely in the weeks that followed. The Fund described Pakistan&#39;s near-term economic outlook as improving. Output picked up pace in the first part of the current fiscal year, following a broader rebound in FY25. Price pressures and the trade balance have stayed manageable, and the country&#39;s foreign reserve position has continued to recover, the IMF noted. The Fund warned that ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses the most immediate threat to that trajectory. Swings in global energy costs and tightening international financing conditions could reignite inflation and drag on output. According to the IMF, Pakistan&#39;s fiscal targets call for a primary surplus of 1.6% of GDP in FY26, rising to an underlying primary balance of 2% of GDP in FY27. Hitting those marks will require widening the revenue base and tightening control over public spending. The Fund said health, education, and social assistance allocations are also set to increase. The country&rsquo;s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched an internal overhaul to improve tax collection and enforcement. Changes underway include tougher audit procedures, a broader rollout of electronic invoicing, and closer monitoring of production activity. A newly created Tax Policy Office has been tasked with drafting a longer-term reform roadmap aimed at keeping the policy environment stable without sacrificing revenue. Similarly, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has signaled it will hold policy rates at elevated levels for as long as needed to keep inflation within its official band. The IMF said the local currency should be allowed to move freely in response to external pressures. A market-determined exchange rate, the Fund said, remains the country&#39;s first line of defense against balance of payments stress,&nbsp;particularly given potential fallout from the Middle East conflict. Pakistan&#39;s power sector remains a central focus of the program. Authorities have committed to closing the gap between the actual cost of electricity and what consumers are charged. The IMF said this structural imbalance is the root cause of the country&#39;s persistent circular debt problem. The Fund reported that Pakistan authorities are also working to strengthen the Benazir Income Support Program, the country&rsquo;s flagship federal social safety net. Measures include inflation-adjusted cash transfers, expanded coverage, and improved payment systems. Under the RSF, Pakistan has moved ahead on reducing transport-related emissions and building regulatory infrastructure to track and manage climate-related financial risks. Upcoming commitments include reinforcing water infrastructure, improving accounting for climate-relevant public expenditure, and establishing a formal framework for financing disaster response.

A view of the International Monetary Fund headquarters building in Washington, DC on October 20, 2024 ahead of the 2024 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. (AFP)

The deal remains subject to approval by the Fund's Executive Board.

IMF clears $1.2 billion for Pakistan in dual program review

Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $427 million in February, marking its strongest monthly performance since March last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.&nbsp; The latest figure also represents the second consecutive monthly surplus, following January&rsquo;s $60 million surplus, signalling a gradual improvement in the country&rsquo;s external position. Despite the recent gains, the broader picture remains mixed. During the first eight months of the current fiscal year (July-February FY26), Pakistan posted a cumulative current account deficit of $700 million, sharply contrasting with the $479 million surplus recorded in the same period last year. Officials, however, see the recent trend as encouraging. The finance minister&rsquo;s advisor, Khurram Shehzad, described February&rsquo;s numbers as a sign of strengthening fundamentals, pointing to robust remittance inflows, growth in value-added exports, and controlled import expansion as key drivers behind the improvement. Analysts echo this view, noting that higher remittances and a reduction in the income deficit played a crucial role in offsetting the persistent trade gap. The narrowing of external imbalances has also helped ease pressure on foreign financing needs. While risks remain, particularly due to ongoing regional tensions, the back-to-back surpluses suggest that Pakistan&rsquo;s external account is stabilizing.&nbsp; With adequate buffers in place, the development is being seen as a step toward sustainable economic recovery and a potential boost to investor confidence.

A stock broker walks past a digital board showing share prices at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi on March 10, 2026. (AFP)

Business

Pakistan posted back-to-back current account surpluses, led by strong remittances and controlled imports, signalling improving external stability despite a year-to-date deficit.

Pakistan’s current account surplus hits 11-month high in February

Ayesha Mir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is fully prepared for the upcoming review by the International Monetary Fund and is confident about its economic trajectory, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said.&nbsp;Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Aurangzeb confirmed that the IMF mission has begun its technical discussions in Karachi and that he will meet the team in Islamabad on Monday for the third review under Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing program.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are getting ready for the third review,&rdquo; Aurangzeb said. &ldquo;It will cover both performance benchmarks and structural benchmarks, as well as a forward-looking assessment of the program.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added that Pakistan is entering the review from a position of strength. &ldquo;It is premature to say how it will go,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But I would say we are well-positioned for this review.&rdquo;&nbsp;Strong economic fundamentalsAurangzeb highlighted the country&rsquo;s consolidation of macroeconomic stability over the past two years. Consecutive primary fiscal surpluses, a stable currency, easing inflation, and rising foreign exchange reserves reflect these gains, he said.&nbsp;Inflation has fallen into single digits, allowing the policy rate to drop to 10.5%, while reserves have grown from roughly two weeks of import cover in July 2023 to about 2.5 months.&nbsp;&ldquo;If the current trajectory continues, we expect to reach the international benchmark of three months of import cover by year-end,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Remittances rose to $38 billion last fiscal year and are projected to reach around $42 billion this year. IT exports are also strengthening, expected to reach $4 billion to $5 billion, alongside traditional export sectors.&nbsp;From aid-led to investment-led growthAurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan is shifting from an aid-led model to a trade and investment-focused approach, targeting business-to-business engagement with international partners.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are very focused on sectors like oil and gas, minerals, mining and IT to attract further trade and investment,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;He noted recent diplomatic and economic initiatives, including CPEC Phase 2.0 with China and strengthened ties with GCC countries and the United States. Tariff negotiations with the US have reduced Pakistan&rsquo;s trade duties, further supporting competitive exports.&nbsp;Reform and continuityThe finance minister outlined ongoing reforms to strengthen fiscal sustainability.&nbsp;These include modernization of the Federal Board of Revenue, pension restructuring, government right-sizing, privatization of select state assets and enhanced debt management, which saved about Rs850 billion last year.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are focused on continuity, credibility, and reform,&rdquo; Aurangzeb said. &ldquo;Our engagement with the IMF is part of a broader strategy to ensure lasting stability, sustainable growth, and increased private-sector investment for Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;The IMF mission will also examine governance reforms, electricity tariff adjustments, and the FY2026-27 federal budget framework. Completion of the review is expected to unlock $1.2 billion in funding, reinforcing Pakistan&rsquo;s recovery and reform momentum.

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb speaks with Pakistan TV Digital ahead of the IMF review mission. (Pakistan TV Digital)

Pakistan is well-prepared for IMF reviews this week, Muhammad Aurangzeb said, with $1.2 billion funding pending. Officials report program targets on track, including fiscal, monetary, and governance benchmarks.

Pakistan confident ahead of IMF review, eyes investment-led growth

LAHORE: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has said that media reports have &ldquo;inaccurately interpreted&rdquo; the data on the exit of foreign companies from Pakistan, clarifying that 79 new foreign companies were registered, whereas &ldquo;only 19 foreign companies have ceased operations in Pakistan during 2022 to 2025.&rdquo; For months, headlines have painted a grim narrative: that foreign companies were leaving Pakistan, investment was drying up, and confidence in the country&rsquo;s markets was collapsing.&nbsp; However, the reality, according to the country&rsquo;s top corporate regulator, was far more nuanced and optimistic. The SECP stepped in to correct misconceptions, clarifying that the oft-cited numbers in the media were misleading.&nbsp; In a statement issued earlier this week, the regulator said: &ldquo;Only 19 foreign companies have ceased operations in Pakistan during 2022 to 2025, whereas 79 new foreign companies were registered during the same period.&rdquo; The SECP also highlighted a common source of confusion: &ldquo;The figure of 125 ceased foreign companies, cited in some media reports, represents the cumulative total of companies that ceased operations since 1977 to date. This does not reflect the number of companies that exited in the last three years.&rdquo; As of February, 1,157 foreign companies remained registered and operational in Pakistan, a figure that underscored the continued investor confidence in the country&rsquo;s regulatory and business environment. The inflow of foreign capital was not limited to a single sector.&nbsp; In energy, giants such as Saudi Aramco, Wafi Energy, Gunvor Group, Turkish Petroleum, and SOCAR expanded their presence, while UAE-based DP World entered a joint venture with the National Logistics Corporation, reinforcing Pakistan&rsquo;s logistics and supply chain infrastructure. Technology and digital services also saw significant activity.&nbsp; Global firms such as Google, Samsung, IceWarp, and Russoft Synercon were expanding operations, and local companies such as Woot Tech received substantial foreign investment. In a notable deal, Bazaar Technologies acquired Wemsol, and Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Waqub Data Company took an 80% stake in Woot Tech. The telecommunications sector has been witnessing consolidation, with PTCL acquiring Telenor Pakistan. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Pfizer transferred its Karachi manufacturing plant to Lucky Core Industries to ensure production continuity, and Sanofi sold its majority stake to a local investor consortium, renaming the company Hoechst Pakistan Limited. Agriculture, mining, and even emerging sectors such as electric vehicles also drew attention.&nbsp; Italy&rsquo;s Euricom S.p.A. acquired a 50% stake in Fatima Euricom Rice Mills, while mining and minerals companies, including Barrick Gold, Strategic Metals US, and Nova Minerals US, continued their investment. Electric vehicle companies like BYD, Chery Automobile, and NWTN Motors were also exploring Pakistan&rsquo;s market potential. Foreign investors already in the country are doubling down. The SECP noted: &ldquo;Mashreq Bank has launched and is expanding Pakistan&rsquo;s first digital bank. Kuwait-backed Raqami Digital Bank plans to invest $100 million. Nestl&eacute; is investing an additional $60 million, and the Engro Jazz consortium is committing more than $550 million toward digital infrastructure expansion.&rdquo; The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II also accelerated industrial cooperation.&nbsp; To date, 24 business-to-business agreements worth $1.5 billion and memoranda of understanding totaling more than $7 billion have been signed, spanning agriculture, renewable energy, information technology, minerals, and industrial relocation. The SECP&rsquo;s data painted a clear picture: Pakistan was not witnessing an exodus of foreign companies.&nbsp; Even in January alone, foreign investors invested in 82 local companies from diverse countries, including China, the US, the UK, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and more. The narrative of panic is misleading. Companies have continued to enter the market, existing investors have continued to expand their commitments, and foreign capital has continued to flow. As the SECP concluded: &ldquo;Foreign investment is continuing, partnerships are expanding, and Pakistan&rsquo;s regulatory environment continues to inspire confidence among international investors.&rdquo; In an environment where fear often dominates headlines, the numbers tell a different story. Pakistan is not just holding steady; it is growing, attracting strategic investments, and positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign capital.

For months, headlines have suggested a grim narrative stating that foreign companies were leaving Pakistan, the investment was drying up, and the confidence in the country’s markets was collapsing. 

Pakistan defies panic as foreign investment continues to rise

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s exports recorded a sharp month-on-month increase in January, rising by nearly 35% compared to December 2025, according to provisional figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The data shows that exports stood at Rs 857 billion ($3.06 billion) in January, up from Rs 635.7 billion ($2.27 billion) in December. This represents an increase of 34.8% in rupee terms and 35.0% in dollar terms. During the same period, imports declined by around 5%, falling to Rs1,622.3 billion ($5.79 billion) from Rs1,707.0 billion ($6.08 billion) in the previous month. As a result of higher exports and lower imports, the trade deficit narrowed to Rs765.2 billion ($2.73 billion), down from Rs1,071.3 billion ($3.81 billion) in December 2025, a 29% contraction. Year-on-year trendOn a year-on-year basis,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-it-exports-surpass-400-million-monthly-for-first-time" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">exports increased</a>&nbsp;by 4.2% in rupee terms and 3.7% in dollar terms, rising to Rs857.0 billion ($3.06 billion) in January 2026 from Rs822.4 billion ($2.95 billion) in January 2025. Imports recorded a marginal decline of 0.8% in rupee terms and 1.4% in dollar terms, easing to Rs1,622.3 billion ($5.79 billion) from Rs1,635.4 billion ($5.87 billion) during the same period. The trade deficit also improved year-on-year, decreasing by 5.9% in rupee terms and 6.6% in dollar terms compared to January 2025. Cumulative performanceHowever, cumulative trade figures for July-January FY2025-26 indicate a decline in overall export performance. Exports during the period fell by 6% in rupee terms and 7.1% in dollar terms, amounting to Rs5,122.5 billion ($18.20 billion), compared to Rs5,447.9 billion ($19.58 billion) in the corresponding period of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-committed-to-promoting-exports-businessfriendly-environment-federal-minister" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">previous fiscal year</a>. Imports, meanwhile, rose by 10.8% in rupee terms and 9.4% in dollar terms to Rs 11,337.7 billion ($40.23 billion), resulting in a cumulative trade deficit of Rs 6,215.2 billion ($22.04 billion). PBS noted that data from the Directorate of Research and Statistics, Federal Board of Revenue, for January is still awaited, and that the figures are provisional. The bureau also cautioned that minor variations may occur due to rounding.

An aerial view shows stacked containers at the Shanghai Port container terminal in Shanghai on December 8, 2025. (Photo by AFP/File)

The data shows that exports stood at Rs 857 billion ($3.06 billion) in January, up from Rs 635.7 billion ($2.27 billion) in December.

Pakistan's exports surge 35% month-on-month

ISLAMABAD: Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s long-term foreign-currency credit rating at B-, signaling continued economic stability. <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/fitch-downgrades-frances-credit-rating-in-new-debt-battle-blow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="fr-green">Fitch</a> also assigned Pakistan a Recovery Rating of RR4, indicating average recovery for investors in the event of a default. Previously, Pakistan had been placed in the &ldquo;Under Criteria Observation&rdquo; category, a temporary status used when agencies reassess ratings under revised rules. It has now been removed. Improved financing conditionsThe rating agency had upgraded Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign-currency rating to B- with a stable outlook in April last year, reflecting improved external financing conditions and policy support under the International Monetary Fund program.&nbsp;Fitch warned that Pakistan&rsquo;s rating could come under pressure if fiscal reforms slow, debt levels rise, or external liquidity weakens, particularly due to delays in IMF program reviews.&nbsp;It said the rating could improve if Pakistan achieves sustained reductions in government debt, strengthens tax collection, and builds foreign exchange reserves beyond current forecasts.&nbsp;The decision was seen by market observers as a positive signal, as Pakistan retained its rating after a review under stricter criteria.

Also assigns Pakistan a Recovery Rating of RR4, which indicates an average level of recovery for investors in the event of a default.

Fitch reaffirms Pakistan’s B- credit rating, removes review status

Saqib Tanveer

DAVOS: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the country is &ldquo;open for business&rdquo; as he held a series of <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-finance-minister-highlights-120000-new-investors-boosts-confidence" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">high-level political and corporate</a> engagements on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, positioning Islamabad as a destination for investment driven by macroeconomic stability and technology-led growth.&nbsp;In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV Digital, Aurangzeb outlined Pakistan&rsquo;s outreach strategy at the five-day WEF meeting in Davos, where nearly 3,000 global leaders from politics, business, finance and civil society are gathering to discuss pressing global challenges.&nbsp;Aurangzeb said his engagements included meetings with fellow finance ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, alongside interactions with existing and prospective investors.&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a great opportunity to meet your counterparts and have conversations about their economies, our economy, and mutual areas of cooperation, investment and trade,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The finance minister noted that Davos offers a rare platform where political leadership and global business converge, enabling Pakistan to simultaneously engage governments and multinational corporations.&nbsp;He said discussions were underway with major existing investors in Pakistan, including global companies active in aviation, food and beverages, to understand how they plan to expand their footprint in the country.&nbsp;Highlighting the presence of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-to-lead-pakistan-delegation-to-wef-2026-in-davos" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif</a>&nbsp;at the forum, Aurangzeb said Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership was using the platform to present a renewed national narrative anchored in economic stabilization achieved over recent years.&nbsp;&ldquo;This is to tell the Pakistan story. The macroeconomic stabilization we have achieved and, more importantly, how we want to move forward toward sustainable growth,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan is now seeking market-efficiency-driven foreign investment that can generate exportable surpluses and long-term value.&nbsp;&ldquo;This is a very big opportunity for us to showcase Pakistan, the opportunity in Pakistan, and the message that Pakistan is open for business,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Turning to the digital economy, the finance minister said Pakistan is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and Web3. Key themes at this year&rsquo;s WEF meeting.&nbsp;He said regulatory progress through the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and engagement with global technology leaders signal Pakistan&rsquo;s intent to compete in the knowledge economy.&nbsp;Aurangzeb underlined Pakistan&rsquo;s strength as one of the world&rsquo;s top freelance markets, saying targeted investment in blockchain and AI centers of excellence could significantly raise earnings and productivity.&nbsp;He said such initiatives would not only benefit individual professionals but also strengthen the national economy through higher-value exports of digital services.&nbsp;Summing up Pakistan&rsquo;s pitch to the international community, Aurangzeb pointed to opportunities across traditional sectors such as agriculture, minerals and mining, alongside fast-growing areas like information technology and startups.&nbsp;The finance minister said Pakistan aims to leapfrog in the knowledge economy by attracting expertise, financing and technology transfer through global partnerships.&nbsp;The World Economic Forum annual meeting, held every January in the Alpine town of Davos since 1971, brings together heads of state, ministers, corporate leaders and policymakers. This year&rsquo;s meeting, which began on January 19 and concludes on January 23, comes amid global economic uncertainty and heightened focus on technological transformation and international cooperation. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uSIuj_Y9ayk?si=6ESAjjOQmQ9MS9Nf" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>

In conversation with Pakistan TV Digital in Davos, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan is engaging global counterparts, courting investors, and leveraging digital innovation to drive sustainable, export-oriented economic growth.

Pakistan pitches stability, AI-led growth to investors at Davos forum

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday said the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the state&rsquo;s enemy and vowed to eliminate the terrorist outfit. During a press conference in Islamabad, the information minister said that the state would act against the banned group, citing confidence in the armed forces, security agencies, and youth. &quot;As the minister for information, I state clearly: The TTP is Pakistan&rsquo;s enemy. Until our last breath, and until the last drop of blood has been shed, we will eliminate it. I am saying this with absolute resolve: We will eliminate it.&quot; He said the strength of the state came from faith and trust in the armed forces and security agencies, saying personnel leave their homes daily without certainty of return. He referred to families who send their children to fight, accepting the possibility of&nbsp;martyrdom. &ldquo;We stand by them, and we will prevail,&rdquo; he said. Economic revival Tarar also spoke about the economy. He said Pakistan had moved from the threat of default back into the ranks of emerging economies. &ldquo;We have successfully transitioned from the threat of default back into the ranks of emerging economies,&rdquo; he said. He said the stock exchange was breaking records every day. He attributed the performance to confidence among the business community, traders, and industrialists. &ldquo;Our stock exchange is breaking records every single day,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The business community, merchants, and industries trust the government&rsquo;s reforms and policies.&rdquo; The information minister said investors recognized that deep structural reforms were underway. He said that prime minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken difficult decisions for the country. &ldquo;They know the prime minister took difficult steps for the betterment of the country,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Those actions are bearing fruit now.&rdquo; Tarar said that the economic turnaround involved all government departments, for which he credited Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. &ldquo;They are the architects behind this ongoing economic revival,&rdquo; he said. Citing recent figures, the information minister&nbsp;said foreign remittances reached $3.6 billion in December. He said that marked a &quot;17% increase year-on-year&quot; and a &quot;13% rise month-on-month.&quot; &ldquo;I want to thank our overseas Pakistanis,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They are not only sending money home, but they are also breaking records.&rdquo; He said the government was working on foreign direct investment and that&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s trade with other countries was increasing. &ldquo;Wherever the prime minister goes, he promotes Pakistan&rsquo;s exports,&rdquo; Tarar said, citing Malaysia&rsquo;s increased quota for Pakistani rice and halal meat. He said trade discussions were prioritized during official visits to Pakistan. The minister mentioned the government&#39;s achievements, citing defense and economic frameworks with Saudi Arabia. He referred to agreements with Malaysia and partnerships with the United Arab Emirates. He also mentioned Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar being warmly received by China&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. &ldquo;With the launch of CPEC 2.0, all these economic frameworks are coming to Pakistan,&rdquo; he said. Tarar stated that the international community was viewing Pakistan with seriousness. He attributed that to the political leadership of PM Sharif and the military leadership of Field Marshal Munir. &ldquo;Because we have strong leadership, the world is taking Pakistan seriously,&quot;&nbsp;he said. He said investment was coming into the country and that an economic revival was underway.

Security

Attaullah Tarar, while citing support for the armed forces and security agencies, said that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is Pakistan’s enemy and the state will take action against it.

Articles tagged with "pakistan economy"