Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday outlined an improving economic outlook and ongoing reform agenda, saying recent policy measures have helped restore investor confidence and reopen access to international capital markets.
Briefing Pakistani media in Washington on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026, Aurangzeb said Pakistan had successfully returned to global capital markets after four years with a $500 million, three-year Eurobond issuance through private placement.
He described the transaction as a “vote of confidence” from international investors in Pakistan’s economic direction, policy consistency and reform programme.
The briefing was also attended by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.
Aurangzeb said the government’s economic strategy is anchored in maintaining what he called “basic economic hygiene”, including fiscal discipline, external stability and structural reforms aimed at long-term resilience.
He said his meetings during the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings included engagements with economic officials from China, the United States, the United Kingdom and other key partners, with discussions increasingly focused on trade, investment and sectoral cooperation in IT, minerals and energy.
On external accounts, the minister highlighted a current account surplus of more than $1 billion in March 2026, alongside strong remittance inflows of $3.8 billion during the same month. He added that inflows through the Roshan Digital Account reached a record $261 million in March, with further growth expected in April.
He said overseas Pakistanis were playing a growing role in financial stability, increasingly channeling funds through formal banking systems, strengthening external buffers.
Aurangzeb also pointed to ongoing reforms in the financial sector, including tighter oversight of exchange companies in coordination with the SBP and law enforcement agencies. These measures, he said, aim to improve transparency, raise capital standards and curb undocumented financial flows.
On fiscal policy, he said budget preparations were underway in consultation with business chambers and stakeholders, with a focus on broadening the tax base and improving compliance. He stressed that final decisions would follow cabinet and parliamentary processes.
He acknowledged structural challenges in the economy, particularly bureaucratic delays and regulatory inefficiencies, and said the government is working to streamline approvals and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
The minister reaffirmed commitment to policy consistency, citing initiatives such as the Roshan Digital Account as examples where stability has helped build investor trust.
On energy and climate policy, Aurangzeb said Pakistan is prioritising a gradual shift toward renewable energy while addressing vulnerabilities exposed by recent climate-related shocks. He said improved fiscal buffers had strengthened the country’s ability to respond to disasters without excessive external dependence.
He also emphasised responsible borrowing and said multilateral forums should be used for knowledge sharing rather than debt relief advocacy, adding that Pakistan remains committed to meeting all financial obligations.
Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and its role in promoting regional stability, saying improved international perception was helping boost investor confidence.
He pointed to early signs of recovery in logistics and trade activity, including rising transshipment volumes through Pakistani ports.
He concluded that sustained macroeconomic stability, disciplined policymaking and continued reforms remain central to Pakistan’s long-term growth strategy.