Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott discuss economic reforms, investment opportunities, and long-term development cooperation.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott held detailed discussions on Pakistan’s economic outlook, reform priorities, and opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation during a meeting at the Finance Division on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s recent economic achievements, ongoing structural reforms, and the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Aurangzeb appreciated the UK’s continued support in key areas, including fiscal reforms, economic governance, climate resilience, public finance management, healthcare, and social development initiatives.
During the discussions, the finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators and the successful approval of the Federal Budget 2026-27. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability through fiscal consolidation, broadening the tax base, enhancing public financial management, and creating a more attractive environment for investors.
A significant part of the meeting centered on population management and public health. Aurangzeb acknowledged the UK’s technical assistance in population stabilization efforts and stressed the need for a coordinated national framework with measurable targets.
He noted that promoting women’s education, increasing workforce participation, and improving public awareness are essential for achieving sustainable development and stronger long-term economic growth.
The finance minister also outlined Pakistan’s strategy to expand access to global capital markets and diversify funding sources. He informed the British delegation about ongoing sovereign financing initiatives, including international bond issuances, Sukuk offerings, Panda Bonds, and emerging financing tools such as tokenized sovereign debt.
These initiatives form part of Pakistan’s Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s external financing position.
On tax reforms, Aurangzeb highlighted efforts to modernize the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through technology-driven solutions. The reforms include AI-powered, faceless, and risk-based tax administration systems designed to improve transparency, reduce discretionary interventions, facilitate taxpayers, and enhance revenue collection.
The two sides also reviewed progress on broader structural reforms, including energy sector restructuring, privatization of selected state-owned enterprises, and governance improvements across public institutions. Aurangzeb said these measures are critical for boosting economic resilience and improving the ease of doing business.
Jane Marriott welcomed Pakistan’s progress toward macroeconomic stability and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for the country’s reform agenda. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, financial markets, and climate resilience while maintaining close engagement to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral partnership.