FM Aurangzeb vows continued reforms under IMF programme

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed on Tuesday Pakistan’s ownership of taxation, energy, state-owned enterprise (SOE) and pension reforms under the IMF-supported programme, stressing that sustained implementation was essential to achieve lasting economic growth and public welfare.

The development came as the minister highlighted debt management and fiscal reforms at a panel on Mitigating Sovereign Risks in Market-Access Countries on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, according to a Finance Division statement.

“The Finance minister reaffirmed national ownership of taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises and pension reforms under the IMF-supported programme. He stressed the sustained reform implementation to translate macroeconomic stability into sustainable growth and public welfare,” the statement read.

The minister further highlighted Pakistan’s progress in fiscal consolidation, reducing inflation and rebuilding foreign exchange reserves.

“He emphasised revenue mobilisation, tax administration reforms, expenditure restraint and privatisation to strengthen economic resilience,” the statement read.

Aurangzeb outlined debt management measures to lower financing costs, extend maturities and reduce rollover risks. He noted that renewed market access supports a strategy to improve the external debt profile without increasing the overall size.

Finance minister discusses Mashreq Bank’s expansion

Federal minister Aurangzeb also met with Mashreq Bank’s senior management to discuss its expanding presence in Pakistan, a separate Finance Division statement said.

The minister highlighted macroeconomic gains and renewed market access, reaffirming support for Mashreq’s expansion and sustainable growth. He reviewed digital banking growth and opportunities to advance financial inclusion through technology and microfinance.

“Discussion also covered expanding offshore service operations, drawing on Pakistan’s skilled workforce. The meeting explored digital accounts for overseas Pakistanis, foreign-currency products and wider outreach across the GCC.” the statement read.

He also discussed collaboration on tokenisation, blockchain, and digital assets within Pakistan’s evolving regulatory framework. He reviewed potential support for Sukuk, further Panda bond issuance and innovative financing under Pakistan’s medium-term debt strategy.