Muhammad Aurangzeb calls for greater investment, digital transformation, regulatory reforms and stronger government-business collaboration to drive sustainable growth.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for stronger private-sector participation in Pakistan’s economic development, emphasising investment, technological transformation, business competitiveness and regulatory reforms.
The finance minister expressed these views during a meeting with newly elected Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Chairman Ziad Bashir and PBC Chief Executive Officer Javed Kureishi.
Congratulating Bashir on his new assignment, Aurangzeb stressed the need to place greater emphasis on investment and private-sector-led economic growth. He said businesses must continue adapting to technological and digital transformation, improve operational efficiency and adopt technology-driven business models to remain competitive in changing markets.
Govt seeks stronger engagement with business
The meeting also focused on strengthening engagement between the government and the business community.
Aurangzeb encouraged the PBC to undertake concise, sector-specific research and submit practical recommendations to help identify investment opportunities, address business challenges and support evidence-based policymaking.
He underscored the importance of learning from international experiences and aligning Pakistan’s policies and business environment with evolving global practices.
The minister said continued cooperation between the government and private sector was essential for identifying new opportunities while addressing areas requiring further improvement.
Focus on regulatory reforms
Aurangzeb also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline the regulatory framework and resolve key issues affecting businesses and investment.
He stressed that reforms should focus on practical measures that facilitate business activity, improve competitiveness and encourage both domestic and foreign investment.
The meeting also discussed opportunities to mobilise international financing and investment through institutions including the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM).
Aurangzeb emphasised the need for Pakistan to present specific, commercially viable and investment-ready projects to international investors and financing institutions.
Tax policy also discussed
Tax policy and the government’s ongoing work on a medium-term tax policy framework also came under discussion.
The finance minister welcomed structured input from the business community and stressed the importance of broad-based consultation in developing a tax system capable of supporting investment, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
He called for continued government-private sector engagement and a balanced approach in which the government addresses policy and regulatory constraints, while businesses contribute through investment, innovation, productivity improvements and expansion into new markets.
PBC welcomes economic reform direction
Bashir and Kureishi appreciated the government’s continued engagement with the business community and welcomed the direction of economic and fiscal reforms.
They described the current Federal Budget as among the most promising in recent years and reaffirmed the PBC’s willingness to provide sector-specific recommendations.
The PBC leadership also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government on measures aimed at improving Pakistan’s investment climate, strengthening competitiveness and promoting private-sector-led economic growth.