Aurangzeb Says Global Investor Interest in Pakistan Is Rebounding

LONDON: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said international investor interest in Pakistan is increasing again as the government continues economic reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal stability, improving public finances and creating a more attractive environment for investment.

Speaking at the Pakistan Investment Roundtable organised by the Pakistan High Commission in London, Aurangzeb outlined the government's assessment of recent economic developments and highlighted measures being pursued to support sustainable growth. The event brought attention to Pakistan's investment prospects and its engagement with international investors and financial institutions.

Aurangzeb said progress had been made in reducing the budget deficit, improving government revenues and advancing tax reforms. He stressed that expanding the tax base and ensuring effective implementation of existing laws remained important parts of the government's economic strategy.

The finance minister also pointed to reforms involving state-owned enterprises and the energy sector. He said the government was pursuing privatisation and institutional changes alongside efforts to improve financial transparency and make it easier to conduct business in Pakistan. These measures form part of a broader programme intended to address structural weaknesses in the economy.

On taxation, Aurangzeb said no new additional taxes had been imposed on the salaried class. He nevertheless emphasised the need to broaden the overall tax base, an issue that remains central to efforts to improve revenue collection and reduce pressure on public finances.

The minister acknowledged that Pakistan continues to face challenges arising from domestic and international developments. He cited the impact of floods as well as instability in the Middle East, both of which have created additional economic pressures. Despite those difficulties, he maintained that Pakistan continued to offer significant opportunities for investors.

Aurangzeb linked renewed international interest to Pakistan's completion of reviews under its International Monetary Fund programme and improvements in the country's credit rating. He presented those developments as indicators of progress in stabilising the economy and rebuilding confidence among international investors.

The roundtable concluded with a question-and-answer session focused on Pakistan's economic conditions, investment opportunities and cooperation with international financial institutions. The government's next challenge will be translating improved investor interest into sustained investment flows while continuing fiscal, tax, energy and state-enterprise reforms designed to support longer-term economic growth.