Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb outlines economic priorities

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has identified rapid population growth as a significant challenge for Pakistan's economy. During a meeting with a Dutch business delegation in Islamabad, he noted that the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached a record $21.4 billion. Aurangzeb emphasized the necessity of converting economic stability into productive investment, increasing exports, and fostering private-sector-led growth to reduce dependence on foreign aid.

Addressing the International Poultry Expo in Lahore, the minister highlighted a major gap in the poultry sector. While Pakistan ranks 11th globally in poultry production—producing approximately 2.5 billion kilograms of meat and 28 million eggs annually—its exports remain below $4 million despite a $45 billion global market. He stated that the government is working to resolve industry challenges to better utilize this sector, which supports roughly 1.5 million families.

Additionally, Aurangzeb stressed the importance of fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and digitalization. He also called for immediate action to curb sales tax evasion, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally monitoring efforts to address this issue.