Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has raised serious concerns about the rising trend of unregulated digital transactions in Pakistan, warning that the country could face international penalties and risk re-entering the FATF grey list. He said nearly 25 million Pakistanis, especially youth, are engaged in digital businesses, and without proper oversight, such activities could invite financial […]
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
Finance division, not FBR, to present 2026 budget: Aurangzeb
Islamabad: In a major policy shift, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will no longer oversee Pakistan’s tax policy or budget preparation. Instead, these critical responsibilities now fall under the Finance Division, marking a significant restructuring of fiscal governance. Speaking at a workshop titled “Unlocking Capital Market Potential for […]
Govt to speed up key social projects
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s plan to fast-track three major social initiatives aimed at improving skills, empowering farmers, and enhancing energy efficiency for sustainable economic growth. Chairing three back-to-back meetings in Islamabad, he reviewed the progress and directed all stakeholders to ensure the projects launch on time, in line with the Prime […]
Aurangzeb hints at policy rate cut amid economic optimism
RAWALPINDI: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed confidence on Wednesday that Pakistan could see a policy rate cut later this year. Speaking at the 78th Independence Day and Marka-e-Haque event at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI), he cited easing inflation and improved economic indicators as reasons for cautious optimism. Although the decision rests […]
Energy, trade talks unite Pakistan, Turkmenistan
Pakistan and Turkmenistan are looking to strengthen their economic and energy ties. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Turkmen Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov in Islamabad on Monday. Both leaders discussed boosting trade, investment, and infrastructure cooperation. The meeting highlighted the growing importance of their bilateral relationship. Aurangzeb welcomed stronger ties and stressed Pakistan’s commitment to the […]
Pakistan rolls out Rs9B electric vehicle subsidy plan
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved a major subsidy plan to promote electric bikes and rickshaws in Pakistan. The Finance Division said Rs9 billion is allocated for the scheme in fiscal year 2025-26. This initiative aims to encourage citizens to switch to cleaner, greener vehicles. It also targets reducing pollution and supporting sustainable transport in […]
Aurangzeb: US trade deal a ‘win-win’ for Pakistan
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called the newly finalised Pakistan-US trade deal a “win-win” for both nations, stressing that it goes beyond trade to include key investment opportunities. He made the remarks on Thursday in a video message after concluding talks in Washington, D.C. The agreement was finalised during a high-level meeting between Aurangzeb and […]
Pakistan, US agree on tariff cuts and oil partnership
Pakistan and the United States have finalized a significant trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral commerce and investment. The deal was announced on Wednesday night, following high-level meetings in Washington. While tariff details remain undisclosed, both sides confirmed plans to reduce trade barriers. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the Pakistani delegation, which included top officials. […]
Finance minister hails CCP’s legal reforms, FDI boost
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has praised the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) for its strong recent performance, particularly for reducing the backlog of court cases. Speaking in the Senate, he noted that the number of pending cases has dropped from 577 to around 300 over the last two years, thanks to the commission’s proactive litigation […]
Aurangzeb to Moody’s: Reforms are working, investment doors are open
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday briefed Moody’s Investors Service on Pakistan’s economic reforms and efforts to re-enter global financial markets. He said Pakistan is moving forward with a reform-driven strategy and aims to launch its first Panda bond — a renminbi-denominated bond to be floated in China. The finance minister was joined by State […]