Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $56 million last week. As of January 30, 2026, SBP-held reserves reached $16.16 billion. The country’s total liquid foreign reserves now stand at $21.34 billion, according to the central bank. A detailed breakdown shows SBP-held reserves at $16.16 billion, while commercial […]
economic growth
Pakistan targets $60bn exports by 2029, says Ahsan Iqbal
DUBAI: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan has set an ambitious export target of $60 billion by 2029 as part of a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s presence in global trade. Read More: Pakistan eyes $6-8bn mineral exports: Ahsan Iqbal Speaking during his visit to the Pakistan Pavilion at Gulfood 2026 […]
PM Shehbaz seeks maximum IMF relief to ease public, industry burden
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to prepare a comprehensive plan to secure maximum relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the ongoing loan programme, sources told media on Tuesday. Read More: Pakistan forms committees for IMF-free growth Ahead of upcoming discussions with the IMF, the premier stressed that additional burdens […]
Debt can fuel Pakistan’s growth, says Aurangzeb
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Aurangzeb said debt can boost the economy if used for productive investments. He spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday. Aurangzeb emphasized fiscal discipline, export-led growth, and climate resilience as key priorities for long-term development. Aurangzeb noted that borrowing should fund projects that generate exportable surplus rather than consumption. […]
S. M. Tanveer concerned over reliance on remittances and not exports for economic growth
LAHORE: Mr. S. M. Tanveer, Leader of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has expressed concerns over reliance on remittances and debt-driven consumption, and not exports, for economic growth and development. He highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s exports, citing an estimated $60 billion gap in potential exports. In a statement, Mr. […]
Pakistan leverages mineral wealth for economic growth
Pakistan is taking strategic steps to transform its untapped mineral resources into a driver of economic growth, employment, and technological advancement. With trillions of dollars’ worth of copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and gemstones, the country has historically underutilized its wealth, resulting in minimal exports and limited benefits for local communities. Read More: […]
The National Interest highlights reforms in Pakistan’s mineral sector
A detailed analysis in The National Interest highlights reforms in Pakistan’s mineral sector. Pakistan possesses untapped mineral resources worth billions of dollars, The National Interest. The country is aligning its mining policies with international standards, The National Interest. Read More: Minerals exploration – A key to country’s economic growth Through transparency and international partnerships, Pakistan aims to […]
Pakistan seeks IMF flexibility to support growth in next budget
The government is considering multiple options to seek relaxations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on key fiscal and macroeconomic targets ahead of the 2026–27 budget. The move is aimed at reviving economic activity and creating space for growth-oriented policies. Policymakers believe that strict conditions under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility have constrained growth by […]
SBP rate cut draws mixed response from business groups
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) decision to reduce the policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.50 per cent received mixed reactions on Monday. Foreign investors and business groups welcomed the move as cautious, while local business groups criticised it as insufficient to revive economic activity. Read More: SBP slashes key rate by 50bps in surprise […]
ADB raises Pakistan’s growth forecast for 2025, 2026
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has upgraded Pakistan’s economic growth outlook for 2025 and 2026, citing stronger-than-expected performance in the fourth quarter of FY2025, easing inflation, and a less severe impact from recent floods. In its latest report, Asian Development Outlook: Growth Steadies but Uncertainty Lingers, the bank revised its GDP estimate for FY2025 to […]