The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced its first Research Agenda for 2026–2029, setting out priority areas to strengthen the analytical base for future monetary policy and regulatory decisions.

The central bank said the framework has been designed in response to a rapidly evolving economic environment shaped by technological change, recurring supply disruptions, climate-related risks, and long-standing structural challenges. The agenda is aligned with SBP’s statutory mandate and its Vision 2028 strategy.

The three-year plan is structured around three main pillars: inflation dynamics and monetary policy; financial sector development, stability and efficiency; and structural transformation for long-term economic growth. SBP said the goal is to close key knowledge gaps and support more evidence-based policymaking.

The central bank expects the initiative to improve policy design and regulatory outcomes as Pakistan navigates increasingly complex domestic and global economic conditions.

SBP also stressed the need for broader collaboration under the framework, stating that it will engage with universities, researchers, government institutions, and other stakeholders to support and expand policy-relevant research.

Officials said the agenda reflects the central bank’s push toward research-driven decision-making and greater coordination between the public sector and the wider academic and policy research community.