ICMAP praises macroeconomic stabilisation and fiscal gains while calling for stronger implementation of reforms and institutional capacity
The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP) has released its Accountability Report: Pakistan 2026 Progress – From Policy Momentum to Measurable Outcomes, assessing government initiatives against key public priorities.
The report highlights progress in macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal consolidation and external-sector resilience, noting that Pakistan’s economy accelerated to 3.7 per cent in FY2026.
According to the report, the economic improvement was supported by cautious monetary policy, stronger remittance inflows and exchange-rate stability.
The report also points to a significant improvement in fiscal management, with the fiscal deficit narrowing to 0.7 per cent of GDP.
Focus on youth, climate and digital transformation
ICMAP noted that the government has introduced several youth-focused initiatives, including skills development programmes, concessional financing and digital hubs, aimed at strengthening human capital and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Climate resilience has also received greater attention through allocations for urban planning and green subsidies.
Meanwhile, the government is advancing digital transformation through artificial intelligence (AI) hubs, specialised training and citizen-focused governance reforms, according to the report.
The report also highlighted the expansion of Pakistan’s international economic partnerships through CPEC Phase-II, Gulf investments and cooperation with the United States.
These developments could potentially broaden Pakistan’s economic opportunities and strengthen investment and trade prospects.
Implementation gaps remain
Despite the progress identified, ICMAP highlighted gaps in the implementation of initiatives related to employment generation, AI-focused skills development and entrepreneurship.
The report stated that these programmes remain at an early stage and would require stronger implementation and monitoring to deliver measurable outcomes.
ICMAP also identified several structural risks, including Pakistan’s continued dependence on external financing, incomplete reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and political constraints that could affect governance and policy continuity.
ICMAP stresses accountability and continuity
ICMAP Vice President Muhammad Yasin, FCMA, said accountability should go beyond documenting progress and should focus on ensuring discipline, foresight and continuity in implementation.
He identified human capital investment, institutional strengthening and climate resilience as three key pillars for Pakistan’s future development.
The report concluded that Pakistan has made meaningful progress in aligning government initiatives with citizens’ priorities.
However, it stressed that maintaining reform momentum and strengthening institutional capacity would be essential to translate policy frameworks into tangible improvements in livelihoods, governance and national resilience.