ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and Mr. Zahid Hussain, Chairman, Policy Advisory Board, (FPCCI), to discuss key issues related to the business environment, financial sector dynamics, and ongoing reform initiatives.
At the outset of the meeting, the Finance Minister appreciated the continued engagement of the business community and acknowledged the constructive role of FPCCI in providing policy input and facilitating dialogue between the Government and the private sector. He emphasized the importance of sustained consultation to ensure that reforms remain responsive to industry needs and support long-term economic stability.
The Finance Minister underscored the importance of a predictable and transparent regulatory environment, noting that policy continuity and institutional strengthening are essential for building investor confidence and addressing the needs of the business community. He highlighted ongoing efforts to advance end-to-end digitalization, improve compliance systems, and enhance transparency across revenue administration. In this context, he also noted progress towards operationalizing an independent Tax Policy Office under the Finance Division, formally separating tax policy formulation from the Federal Board of Revenue. He further emphasized that this institutional reform is aimed at strengthening policy formulation, enhancing transparency, and ensuring greater clarity and consistency in the overall tax framework, thereby facilitating a more conducive environment for businesses.
The Finance Minister and the participants discussed the importance of a well-functioning financial system in supporting the needs of the business community and facilitating economic activity. He emphasized that improved access to finance, efficient credit flows, and stronger alignment with the real economy are essential to support investment-led growth and enable businesses to expand and operate effectively. He further underscored that a stable and responsive financial environment remains critical for reinforcing overall economic resilience.
The Finance Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s recent re-entry into international capital markets after a four-year hiatus through a privately placed Eurobond transaction, which witnessed strong investor interest and was successfully upsized. He noted that this reflects improving macroeconomic fundamentals and growing investor confidence in the Government’s reform agenda and policy direction.
The Finance Minister also outlined the Government’s broader efforts to support economic activity through a stable policy environment, continued engagement with stakeholders, and targeted reforms across key sectors. He emphasized that the Government remains focused on creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, supports enterprise growth, and strengthens overall economic resilience.
Highlighting ongoing reform efforts, the Finance Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability while pursuing targeted measures to support economic activity. He emphasized a calibrated approach that balances fiscal discipline with growth considerations, while ensuring policy consistency and continuity.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continued engagement and coordination to ensure effective implementation of policy measures. The Finance Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and consultative environment with the business community to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
