Karachi: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has called for a decisive shift from reactive policymaking to a forward-looking, reform-oriented approach aimed at stabilizing Pakistans economy, restoring investor confidence, and setting a sustainable path for inclusive growth. Addressing the inaugural session of The Future Summit ± 9th Edition in Karachi, the Minister outlined the governments ongoing commitment to structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and strategic partnerships to redefine Pakistans economic trajectory.
Sharing insights from his recent international engagements in Washington and Riyadh, Senator Aurangzeb noted that the global economy has shown remarkable resilience through structural reforms and private sector participation. He emphasized a global shift toward productivity-led, private sector±driven growth supported by innovation and artificial intelligence, urging Pakistan to adopt similar approaches for long-term competitiveness.
The Finance Minister affirmed that macroeconomic stability in Pakistan has been achieved and validated by global rating agencies, while the IMFs second review under the ongoing program has concluded successfully. ¬Macroeconomic stability is not an end in itself but a means to an end,® he remarked, describing it as the base for sustainable investment and durable growth.
Highlighting positive economic indicators, Senator Aurangzeb revealed that corporate profitability in Pakistan has grown by 14% during the first nine months of 2025, while 73% of CEOs in the OICCI survey view Pakistan as a viable investment destination³up from 61% previously. He described these as signs of rising investor confidence and renewed economic momentum.
He pointed to a ¬confluence of favorable factors,® including macro stability and geopolitical tailwinds, positioning Pakistan to transform bilateral support into trade and investment flows led by the private sector. Priority sectors identified for growth include minerals and mining, IT, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the blue economy.
Discussing technology and innovation, Senator Aurangzeb welcomed Googles decision to establish an office in Pakistan, turning the country into a regional technical and export hub. He stressed equipping the youth with digital and technical skills to tap opportunities in coding, blockchain, and AI.
On structural reforms, he asserted that Pakistan is ¬no longer in the design phase but in the implementation mode,® citing progress in taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, privatization, public finance management, rightsizing of government, and pension reforms. The Minister detailed the use of AI-based monitoring systems in tax collection, the addition of 900,000 new filers, and international recognition of reform achievements by the World Bank.
He reaffirmed the governments commitment to privatization, referencing the acquisition of a local bank by a UAE conglomerate and ongoing work on transactions for PIA and power distribution companies. He also noted efforts to right-size federal ministries, close loss-making entities such as the Utility Stores Corporation and PASCO, and transition to a defined-contribution pension scheme for new government employees.
Addressing the summits theme of ¬Course Correction,® Senator Aurangzeb emphasized that while Pakistan must stay on course with structural reforms, urgent correction is required in addressing two critical challenges³population growth and climate change. He called for a unified national response to manage population growth, tackle child stunting and learning poverty, and effectively utilize $2 billion in climate-related financing available under the World Banks Country Partnership Framework.
Concluding his address, the Finance Minister reaffirmed the governments determination to sustain economic reforms, enhance resilience, and advance a reform agenda centered on fiscal sustainability, social progress, and human development.