Islamabad, May 17, 2025 – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a high-level meeting on Friday with representatives of American businesses in Pakistan to discuss key tax and economic proposals for the upcoming 2025-26 federal budget.
The meeting took place with a delegation from the American Business Council (ABC), led by ABC President Kamran Attaullah Khan, and included senior executives from several prominent American companies operating across various sectors in Pakistan. Senior officials from the Finance Division and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also participated in the session.
At the beginning of the discussion, Aurangzeb shared highlights from his recent visit to Washington, where he attended the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He mentioned productive engagements with the US-Pakistan Business Council and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with American stakeholders.
Aurangzeb acknowledged the contributions of American businesses to Pakistan’s economy, noting that their investment and operational footprint play a vital role in fostering growth. “We deeply value our partnership with the American business community and aim to enhance collaboration through a stable, predictable policy environment,” he stated.
The ABC delegation raised several budget-related concerns and sector-specific challenges. In response, Aurangzeb emphasized that constructive engagement must extend beyond the annual budget process. “Policy dialogue should be a continuous exercise, not just confined to a fiscal cycle,” he remarked.
The finance minister highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stabilization. He underscored the importance of broadening the tax base, enhancing compliance, and eliminating inefficiencies through digitalization. “Our reforms are focused on formalizing the economy, streamlining the FBR, and ensuring transparency through technology-driven solutions,” said Aurangzeb.
He also noted that while Pakistan has secured financial backing for several initiatives, the real need now lies in technical expertise. “In many areas, we require knowledge and skill sets more than capital. Collaboration with global partners can help accelerate reform implementation,” he added.
The American Business Council appreciated the government’s openness and reaffirmed their willingness to work closely with the authorities.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with both sides agreeing to deepen engagement and explore new avenues for investment, trade, and economic development.