Finance Minister Aurangzeb sees reforms driving digital economic growth

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that the government’s ongoing reform measures are gradually steering Pakistan’s economy in a positive direction.

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that the government’s ongoing reform measures are gradually steering Pakistan’s economy in a positive direction. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, he emphasized that structural changes in key sectors are beginning to create a foundation for sustainable growth.

Aurangzeb noted that between 10 to 15 percent of Pakistan’s population is already actively engaged in digital businesses, and this segment is likely to expand rapidly in the coming years. He stressed that the rise of digital assets, e-commerce platforms, and fintech solutions reflects a global shift, and Pakistan must adapt accordingly to remain competitive.

The minister underlined that facilitating both local and foreign investors remains a top government priority. Efforts are underway to streamline regulatory processes, remove unnecessary hurdles, and create an environment where businesses can thrive with greater ease and transparency.

Highlighting the government’s economic vision, Aurangzeb said reforms are not just about short-term fixes but about setting long-term priorities aligned with modern demands. He explained that economic resilience depends on adopting digital solutions, improving governance structures, and ensuring that financial systems become more inclusive.

Aurangzeb further observed that digital investment offers clear advantages: it is more cost-effective, quicker to implement, and inherently more transparent. However, he cautioned that proper oversight and effective regulations are critical to preventing misuse and ensuring investor confidence.

Comparing Pakistan’s financial system with global standards, the minister admitted that the domestic banking sector remains overly complicated and outdated. He stressed the need for modernization and simplification so that banking services become more accessible to ordinary citizens as well as businesses.

In his address, Aurangzeb also hinted that the government is exploring policies to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in digital infrastructure, fintech, and technology startups. He noted that such initiatives could create employment opportunities, bring innovation, and increase Pakistan’s participation in the global digital economy.