Pakistan, US explore ways to deepen economic partnership

Pakistan and the US discussed on Wednesday avenues for deepening bilateral economic partnership, with a focus on enhancing trade, promoting investment flows, and facilitating private-sector engagement.

“Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce, during his visit to the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C,” as per the Ministry of Finance.

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The two sides held discussions that also covered cooperation in key sectors, including mining, energy, and information technology, with an emphasis on unlocking new opportunities for mutually beneficial economic collaboration.

Aurangzeb participates in the IMF Panel

Meanwhile, Muhammad Aurangzeb also participated in a panel discussion titled “MENAP Economies Navigating War: Managing Shocks and Shaping the Future,” organised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The minister described the ongoing Middle East conflict as one of the largest supply shocks in recent history, comparable in scale to the demand shock experienced during COVID-19.

He said that the crisis had triggered a broader global conversation on energy security and supply chain resilience.

During the discussion, the minister detailed the immediate effects of the crisis on fuel availability and prices, and described Pakistan’s ongoing planning for potential secondary and tertiary impacts, including effects on inflation, remittances, exports, and capital flows.

“Highlighting an emerging silver lining, the Finance Minister noted that transhipment volumes at Karachi Port over the past 25–30 days had exceeded those recorded during the entire previous year, reflecting evolving opportunities in the global trade landscape,” as per a statement.

Aurangzeb underscored that building strategic reserves remains a key takeaway from the current crisis.

“He further identified two important lessons being applied to the present situation: the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline supported by targeted delivery mechanisms, and the transformative role of technology in enhancing economic resilience.”

Aurangzeb addresses the Pakistani diaspora

Moreover, Aurangzeb also addressed the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) and Remittance Roadshow — Pakistan Diaspora Leaders’ Evening, held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., with the support of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA).

He paid rich tribute to the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the country’s economic development, “recognising overseas Pakistanis as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s external resilience”.

He underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme, emphasising that even at the height of Pakistan’s balance of payments crisis, no restrictions were placed on deposits in RDA accounts.

The minister appreciated the new features and enhancements introduced to the scheme, which broadened the range of investment options available to account holders.

He urged expatriate Pakistanis to take advantage of the opportunity and invest in Pakistan’s economy through the RDA platform.

Aurangzeb departed on Saturday for the US to participate in the World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings 2026.