Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, received British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, at the Finance Division to discuss Pakistan’s economic reforms, regional developments, and avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Senator Aurangzeb briefed the High Commissioner on the government’s proactive measures to address potential economic impacts from evolving regional dynamics. He shared that the Prime Minister has established a high-level committee, comprising federal ministries and the State Bank of Pakistan, to monitor critical sectors daily, including energy supplies and global commodity markets.
The committee is reviewing supply chains, price trends, and potential disruptions in petroleum products, crude oil, coal, and gas, while assessing implications for inflation, external accounts, and financial stability.
Read More: Women Suffer Most in Climate Disasters: Jane Marriott
Senator Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan currently maintains adequate reserves and supply arrangements, noting that the government is undertaking scenario planning and sensitivity analysis in case the regional situation persists. The government is also reviewing energy conservation measures and coordinating with provincial authorities to ensure prudent resource management while avoiding unnecessary market panic.
During the discussion, Senator Aurangzeb provided an update on Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform agenda and engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the current program. He noted that the government remains committed to meeting program benchmarks and advancing structural reforms, particularly in the areas of tax policy, revenue mobilization, governance, and institutional transparency. He highlighted the government’s focus on broadening the tax base through data-driven enforcement and improved compliance, while ensuring fairness across sectors.
Read More: Jane Marriott, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan
The Finance Minister also shared that Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators are showing signs of stabilization and recovery. He noted that economic growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year reached 3.7 percent, with improvements in large-scale manufacturing and resilience in the agriculture sector. He underscored that the government is now focused on transitioning from stabilization to sustainable and inclusive growth while addressing social challenges such as unemployment and poverty.
Jane Marriott appreciated the government’s commitment to economic reform and reiterated the United Kingdom’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts toward macroeconomic stability and long-term growth. She noted that the UK remains a strong partner in Pakistan’s development and economic transformation, including through support for reform initiatives, private sector engagement, and technical cooperation.
The High Commissioner also discussed the importance of promoting investor confidence, particularly in key sectors such as mining and minerals development. Both sides exchanged views on the importance of ensuring stability, good governance, and sustainable development in resource-rich regions to attract international investment and promote inclusive economic growth.
The Finance Minister welcomed the United Kingdom’s continued engagement and support for Pakistan’s reform agenda. He emphasized that Pakistan is committed to maintaining policy consistency, strengthening governance frameworks, and creating a conducive environment for domestic and foreign investment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-UK economic cooperation and maintaining close coordination on economic and development priorities.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
