Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan has moved beyond economic stabilization and is now focused on attracting investment, expanding exports, and achieving sustainable economic growth through structural reforms.

Speaking to overseas Pakistani students participating in the URAAN Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme, Aurangzeb said the government spent the past two-and-a-half years restoring macroeconomic stability and is now prioritizing private-sector-led growth, fiscal discipline, and long-term reforms.

He encouraged students from leading international universities to remain connected with Pakistan and contribute their skills, research, and global experience to the country’s economic development.

The finance minister said Pakistan has strengthened its sovereign credit profile and regained access to international capital markets, highlighting the country’s planned Panda Bond issuance as part of efforts to diversify financing sources and attract global investors.

Aurangzeb also highlighted the government’s digital economy agenda, including the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to regulate digital assets, encourage responsible innovation, and position Pakistan to benefit from emerging opportunities in virtual assets and blockchain-based finance.

He added that the government is working to improve the investment climate by lowering the cost of doing business through tax reforms, more affordable financing, competitive energy prices, and measures aimed at strengthening export competitiveness.

During the interactive session, participants discussed economic reforms, climate finance, exports, and investment opportunities, while the finance minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating greater opportunities for young professionals to contribute to Pakistan’s economic transformation.