Key Highlights from Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb’s Speech at Harvard Pakistan Conference 2025
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Economic Recovery & Transformation
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Pakistan has reached a pivotal moment in its economic recovery, with stabilized fundamentals and renewed investor confidence.
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The country has overcome challenges like contracting GDP, depleting reserves, and high inflation, now entering a phase of sustained growth.
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Major Economic Achievements
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Inflation dropped to 0.7% (lowest in 60 years).
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Foreign reserves doubled, with the Pakistani rupee appreciating by 3%.
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Current account surplus of $1+ billion in March 2025.
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44% rise in FDI, 24% growth in IT exports, and record remittances ($38B projected for 2025).
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Fiscal surplus achieved for the first time in 24 years, alongside a credit rating upgrade (Fitch: B-, stable outlook).
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Structural Reforms & Fiscal Discipline
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Debt-to-GDP ratio reduced from 75% to 67.2%, targeting below 60% in the medium term.
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Privatization of loss-making SOEs expected to save 2% of GDP annually.
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Focus on energy, taxation, and governance reforms to ensure long-term stability.
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Growth Opportunities
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Mineral resources, IT sector, green energy, and youth entrepreneurship identified as key drivers.
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Plans to deepen financial markets, expand digital banking, and promote green finance.
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Global Partnerships & Climate Resilience
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Collaboration with IMF and World Bank to strengthen climate adaptation and economic resilience.
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Emphasis on transparency and competitiveness in reforms.
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Finance Minister Aurangzeb presented a strong case for Pakistan’s economic revival, showcasing tangible progress in inflation control, fiscal stability, and investment growth. With structural reforms, privatization, and sectoral expansion, Pakistan aims to transition from stabilization to sustainable growth. The government’s commitment to reforms, digital transformation, and green initiatives signals a new era of economic potential, inviting global investors to be part of Pakistan’s growth journey.
