Economy moving towards stability as reforms take hold: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said strengthening the foundations of the economy was essential for sustainable growth, stressing that innovation in the economic sector had become an urgent need of the time.

Speaking at a public event, Dar said the government was firmly pursuing its economic reform agenda, adding that past reform efforts had largely remained confined to committees and draft proposals, with little focus on implementation.

PIA privatisation cited as milestone

Highlighting recent developments, Dar said the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had been successfully completed after nearly two decades, describing it as a major breakthrough. He said the move had significantly reduced the financial burden on the national exchequer and helped restore investor confidence.

According to the minister, the successful privatisation process had sent a positive signal to both local and foreign investors, reinforcing confidence in Pakistan’s reform trajectory.

Focus on digital governance and efficiency

Dar said the government planned to promote digital governance across public institutions to improve efficiency and service delivery. He added that the use of modern technology in state-run organisations was no longer optional but a necessity.

He also said concrete steps were being taken to address the issue of circular debt, which has long strained the country’s energy and fiscal systems.

Emphasis on delivery and long-term interests

Stressing the need for results-driven governance, Dar said economic growth would only be possible by focusing on effective delivery rather than policy announcements alone. He called for greater transparency in policymaking, urging stakeholders to rise above political interests.

“The economy is now moving towards macroeconomic stability,” Dar said, adding that the government’s priorities were aligned with Pakistan’s long-term national interests.