Pakistan, UK reaffirm support for economic reforms, development cooperation

Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening development cooperation and supporting the country’s ongoing economic reform agenda during a meeting between Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Development Director Sam Waldock.

According to an official statement, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, ongoing development initiatives and Pakistan’s reform programme.

During the meeting, Cheema briefed the UK official on the government’s efforts to reform tariff policies and introduce sector-specific reforms, including a mobile policy, industrial policy and other measures aimed at improving economic competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

Waldock welcomed Pakistan’s tariff reform efforts and praised the government’s broader sectoral reform agenda, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities through continued collaboration in key sectors.

The minister also acknowledged the FCDO’s support for the Strategic Initiatives Unit (SIU), which is helping strengthen policy implementation through embedded delivery mechanisms, and the Governance Reforms Unit (GRU), which is assisting institutional reforms.

Cheema said the current petroleum pricing mechanism had helped curb hoarding and improve market stability by enhancing transparency and efficiency. He added that maintaining economic stability remained the government’s top priority.

The minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally chairs weekly meetings to review the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and closely monitors development initiatives and key financial projects to ensure effective implementation.

He said the government remained committed to implementing its approved development roadmap, with the Planning Commission and other relevant departments working in close coordination. He added that all new development projects would undergo predictive analysis to improve planning, efficiency and the use of public resources.

Waldock also commended Pakistan’s reform measures in the power and petroleum sectors, describing them as important steps toward improving efficiency, transparency and long-term sustainability.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing confidence in continued cooperation to advance shared development objectives, while Cheema thanked the United Kingdom for its longstanding support for Pakistan’s development and reform agenda.