Pakistan pursuing investment, export-led growth: FinMin Aurangzeb

WEB DESK -- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan is moving towards sustainable, investment and export-led economic growth after achieving macroeconomic stabilisation.

He was speaking during a conversation with Michael Kugelman of the Atlantic Council on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok.

The finance minister said Pakistan's economy grew by 3.7 percent in the last fiscal year, while growth is expected to reach around four percent in the current fiscal year, supported by a recovery in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

He said the government is pursuing structural reforms to increase tax revenues, improve the business environment and attract domestic and foreign investment.

Muhammad Aurangzeb said tax revenues had increased by 40 percent over the past two fiscal years, while the tax-to-GDP ratio had reached approximately 10.3 percent, supported by digitalisation and reforms.

He said the government is also advancing the privatisation of power distribution companies and outsourcing of airports to improve efficiency and encourage private-sector participation.

Highlighting the government's commitment to social protection, the finance minister said 838 billion rupees have been allocated to the Benazir Income Support Programme, alongside targeted support for vulnerable households and a focus on jobs, education and skills.