Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has stated that the State Bank of Pakistan is working on the exchange rate and interest rate, and the situation is expected to improve further.Online marketplace for Pakistani handicrafts and products.
The federal finance minister inaugurated the Job and Education Expo at the Expo Centre, Karachi, organised by the Pakistan Hindu Council. At the expo, around 120 stalls were set up by various institutions and companies for students.
Speaking to the media, Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying that he had the opportunity to meet the country’s future leadership here. He noted that both public and private institutions were present at the job fair, but the absence of the corporate sector was felt.Online marketplace for Pakistani handicrafts and products.
He said that technology is the path to the future. Youth should work with their hearts and minds, and always strive for excellence.Speaking about the Independence Day celebration of the “Marka-e-Haq,” the finance minister said that followers of all religions in the country commemorated it with great spirit.
He added that the corporate sector needs to step forward. Interest rate should not be made the single-point agenda.
In order to promote working capital, Pakistan must look beyond banks and include capital markets as well. He emphasised that the debt capital market also needs to be shifted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange mechanism for greater efficiency.Online marketplace for Pakistani handicrafts and products.
Aurangzeb highlighted that the circular debt in the power sector is declining, with three distribution companies (DISCOs) set to be privatised soon. He added that the government is also working to resolve circular debt in the gas sector, which has long been a burden on the economy.
On monetary policy, the minister clarified that the government has no role in setting interest rates, as this falls under the mandate of the State Bank of Pakistan. He said the exchange rate would continue to be determined by the market. Pakistan already has funding available, he noted, and the challenge now is to put those resources to effective use.Online marketplace for Pakistani handicrafts and products.
He praised Mustafa Kamal’s efforts in population control and underlined the importance of women’s economic participation, saying it could be a key driver in eradicating poverty. Aurangzeb confirmed that discussions with the World Bank regarding funding to support such initiatives have already taken place.
The finance minister said the IMF’s review mission would soon arrive in Pakistan under the ongoing 37-month programme, adding that the government remains in constant contact with the Fund. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that by 2047 Pakistan’s economic situation would be that of a developed nation.Online marketplace for Pakistani handicrafts and products.
