Finance Minister Aurangzeb shows positive trends in inflation, debt, and growth
ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the National Economic Survey 2024–25, highlighting signs of economic recovery and fiscal improvement. Speaking at the launch, he shared that Pakistan’s GDP has moved from negative to positive growth, inflation has fallen sharply from 29% to 4.6%, and the policy rate has dropped from 22% to 11%.
The minister attributed this turnaround to the government’s reforms and fiscal discipline. Foreign exchange reserves have improved, providing two months’ import cover, while remittances have grown by $10 billion over the past two years.
Aurangzeb noted that tax collection has reached a five-year high, thanks to FBR reforms. He emphasized that economic reforms require time and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to long-term structural change.
The power sector has also seen progress, with better governance and performance among distribution companies. However, he acknowledged a Rs. 800 billion deficit in state-owned enterprises, which the government plans to tackle by seeking private sector financing.
Other indicators showed positive movement: machinery imports rose by over 16%, overall imports increased by 12%, and overseas Pakistanis boosted investments through Roshan Digital Accounts. The number of tax filers has doubled.
In a lighter note, the survey recorded a rise in the national donkey population—now totaling 6 million, up by 100,000 from last year.
