PR No. 144

Minister of State for Finance and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Addresses Business Community at FPCCI Event

Islamabad: July 11, 2025

Minister of State for Finance and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, Bilal Azhar Kayani, stated that the National Tariff Policy will play a pivotal role in economic growth. Over the next five years, the gradual reduction of duties on raw materials and machinery will accelerate the economy and boost exports.

Speaking at a meeting organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Minister Kayani emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government has achieved economic stability. Inflation has decreased from 38% to single digits, with the inflation rate for the last fiscal year recorded at 4.5%, providing significant relief to the public.

He highlighted that the policy rate has been reduced from 22% to 11%, offering relief to the business community. These economic achievements, he noted, seemed impossible when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took office amidst default-like conditions.

Minister Kayani stated that the federal budget, while adhering to the IMF program, has provided maximum relief to the people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is focused on fixing the country’s economic fundamentals through privatization, right-sizing, economic reforms, and controlling deficits. Simultaneously, the Prime Minister is engaging in continuous consultations with industrialists, economists, and stakeholders to transform economic stability into sustainable economic growth.

He acknowledged that the IMF program has helped restore economic stability. Despite India’s attempts to undermine Pakistan’s economic interests during challenging times, the government successfully secured approval for the second tranche from the IMF Board based on its economic performance.

Minister Kayani reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to making this the last IMF program. However, he stressed that achieving this goal requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, and repeating past mistakes will not lead to national success.

Concluding his address, Minister Kayani emphasized the importance of the business community’s collaboration with the government, stating that collective efforts are essential for the country’s economic improvement and success.

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