PBF urges minister to present actionable roadmap for 2025

KARACHI: Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to present a clear and actionable roadmap for 2025.

The PBF expressed concerns that current economic policies fail to position Pakistan as a business-friendly nation, highlighting the need for strategic reforms to boost investor confidence and foster a more conducive environment for growth.

PBF President Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman, in its letter to FM stated that 2024 draws to a close, we remain concerned by several persistent challenges that have yet to see tangible improvements.

Despite the successful launch of another IMF programme, the Pakistani rupee has failed to appreciate against the US dollar, fluctuating between 277 and 279. The value of the rupee is a critical indicator of our nation’s economic health, and it continues to be a major concern for both the general public and the business community.

It is imperative that the government takes immediate and decisive steps to strengthen the Pakistani rupee. Without a stronger rupee, efforts to alleviate financial pressures on the citizens, especially the business community, will remain ineffective. Furthermore, the soaring electricity and gas bills in 2024 have placed immense strain on the people of Pakistan. As we look ahead, it is crucial to address these challenges comprehensively.

On the agricultural front, farmers continue to face extreme hardships, with many unable to recover their production costs.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024