Govt doing difficult but necessary reforms: Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday emphasized that strong institutional foundations, responsible governance, policy continuity and wide-ranging reforms are essential to ensure Pakistan’s economic stability and long-term growth.

Addressing the closing session of the Pakistan Policy Dialogue 2026, organised by the Policy Research and Advisory Council, Dar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is implementing difficult but necessary reforms with clarity of vision and determination.

He highlighted that key reform measures include the privatisation of state-owned institutions, reduction of circular debt, right-sizing of government structures and the introduction of digital governance. He said positive results of these initiatives have already begun to emerge.

“The fruits of these reforms are visible in the form of a current account surplus, declining inflation and increased government revenues,” Dar said, adding that these improvements have also contributed to the restoration of investor confidence in the country’s economy.

Underscoring Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, he stated that geoeconomics has become a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s external engagement. Alongside the advancement of CPEC 2.0 with China, Pakistan is expanding economic cooperation with the United States, Europe, Gulf countries and Central Asia.

He noted that enhanced economic cooperation is driving growth in trade, investment, regional connectivity and employment opportunities, while new economic avenues are also being explored in East Asia and Africa.

Looking ahead, the deputy prime minister stressed that the next phase must focus on translating reforms into tangible outcomes. “This is essential to maintain economic stability and ensure inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all Pakistanis,” he concluded.