Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in boosting Pakistan’s revenue, declaring that everyone must contribute by paying taxes. He also assured that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would soon unveil the economic roadmap.
According to a report by Samaa News on Sunday, commenting on Pakistan’s economic trajectory, Aurangzeb expressed optimism, stating, “The country’s economy is on the verge of prosperity. Inflation and interest rates have already shown a noticeable decline.” He added that the government’s efforts have begun to yield results, instilling hope for a stable economic future.
Aurangzeb shared that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was surprised by how effectively Pakistan managed to stabilize its economy over the past 14 months. “The IMF was amazed at how Pakistan’s economy has been fixed within this timeframe,” he noted, underscoring the magnitude of the progress made.
Regarding leadership, Aurangzeb stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing to unveil an economic roadmap to the public. “The prime minister will soon present the economic roadmap before the masses. We, as a government, will not take any step that goes against the national interests,” he asserted, reiterating the administration’s commitment to responsible governance.
Turning his focus to climate challenges, Aurangzeb stressed the need for collaborative action. “We must reach a charter of environment, akin to the charter of democracy,” he urged, pointing to the pressing need for unity in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.
He also revealed that the government has conducted reviews of 11 ministries as part of a rightsizing initiative, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This evaluation, he suggested, aligns with the government’s broader reform agenda.
In a press conference last month in Washington, Aurangzeb detailed key economic reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and long-term sustainability. He emphasized the shift towards data-driven tax assessments, assuring that taxpayers would not face harassment. Restrictions for non-filers, such as prohibitions on opening bank accounts and purchasing property, were also announced, pending legislative approval.
The finance minister further outlined planned reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to enhance transparency and foster sustainable development. “We are taking difficult decisions to improve the economy,” he stated, adding that efforts are focused on reducing imports, boosting exports in sectors like IT and agriculture, and exploring private management for state-owned enterprises where feasible.
These initiatives, he emphasized, reflect the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape, ensuring progress on both fiscal and environmental fronts.
