Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan must shift from stabilisation to sustainable growth driven by exports, technology, investment and job creation
Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a stronger focus on sustainable economic growth, job creation, productivity and exports, saying Pakistan has restored macroeconomic stability after a period of severe economic challenges.
The prime minister made the remarks virtually while addressing a gong ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi to mark the listing of the Naya Nazimabad Apartment REIT scheme.
He said the country now needed to move beyond stabilisation and concentrate on growth driven by technology, employment, production and exports.
PM highlights economic stability
Shehbaz credited the federal and provincial governments, financial institutions and the economic team for their efforts to steer the country through economic difficulties.
He also referred to his recent meetings with international bankers and financial leaders in New York and London, saying they had recognised Pakistan’s efforts to implement long-delayed structural reforms.
According to the prime minister, State Bank of Pakistan foreign exchange reserves had reached around $21.4 billion, while commercial banks held an additional $5.5 billion.
He also pointed to rising remittances and IT exports and the performance of Roshan Digital Accounts as indicators of improving economic conditions.
Focus shifts toward exports and productivity
The prime minister said Pakistan must now enter a phase of sustainable economic expansion.
He stressed that future growth should be based on higher productivity, modern technology, increased production, employment generation and stronger exports.
Shehbaz also urged the private sector and exporters to play a greater role in achieving sustainable economic growth.
Business Recorder reported that the prime minister questioned the performance of some export-oriented industries that had received government incentives and support over several decades but had not achieved the expected improvements in competitiveness and exports.
He argued that government support should ultimately translate into better productivity, quality and export performance.
Tax incentives and investment
Shehbaz highlighted tax breaks and incentives provided to exporters, manufacturers and industries under the 2026-27 federal budget.
He said the government expected these measures to contribute to production and economic activity, while the impact of incentives for the construction sector was already becoming visible.
The prime minister also called for further development of Pakistan’s capital markets and improvements in the stock exchange.
Economic indicators cited by government
The prime minister pointed to several indicators that he said reflected improved economic conditions, including foreign exchange reserves, remittances and IT exports.
Separately, Radio Pakistan reported that the government has also highlighted a 4% increase in exports, an increase in foreign investment and improvements in the current account as indicators of economic progress.
These figures reflect government-reported economic indicators and should be distinguished from independent assessments of Pakistan’s economic performance.
Private sector expected to drive growth
The government’s current economic approach places greater emphasis on private investment and export competitiveness following the stabilisation phase.
At the PSX ceremony, the prime minister urged businesses to increase production and exports and stressed the importance of modernising industries and improving productivity.
The policy challenge now is to convert macroeconomic stability into sustained economic expansion, higher employment and stronger export earnings.
