Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday emphasized that Pakistan’s economic reset hinges on sustained policy continuity and institutional stability that extend beyond political cycles. Speaking at the Pakistan Policy Dialogue: Correcting Course – Pakistan’s Economic Reset in Islamabad, Dar said that sustainable growth cannot be achieved through short-term or fragmented measures and requires strengthening the structural foundations of the economy.
“Resetting and correcting course is about strengthening the foundations of the economy itself,” Dar said, noting that policies must endure electoral cycles to deliver lasting results. He also stressed the importance of technology-enabled governance to improve public service delivery and ensure that policy intent translates into measurable outcomes.
Highlighting the government’s approach to aligning foreign policy with economic objectives, Dar said that diplomatic efforts are increasingly focused on boosting exports and fostering partnerships that serve mutual economic interests. The dialogue brought together senior policymakers, corporate leaders, economists, and development experts to discuss reform pathways, growth-oriented policies, digitization, and institutional strengthening at a critical juncture for Pakistan’s economy.
The forum was organized by the Policy Research and Advisory Council in collaboration with the Corporate Pakistan Group, with strategic partnership from the Nutshell Group and founding support from the Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. Bank Alfalah and BankIslami participated as platinum and gold partners, respectively.
The inaugural session, Resetting Pakistan’s Economic Direction, featured Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Senator Dr Musadik Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, former State Bank Governor Dr Ishrat Husain, PRAC Chairman Muhammad Younus Dagha, and former Investment Minister Muhammad Azfar Ahsan.
Ahsan Iqbal underscored the need to balance short-term stabilization with long-term development, noting that productivity, export competitiveness, education, and health indicators remain key gaps compared to peer economies. Finance Minister Aurangzeb outlined reform priorities centered on macroeconomic stability, population pressures, and climate risks, while also highlighting the regulation of emerging sectors such as crypto and blockchain to harness youth-driven growth.
Subsequent sessions explored bridging the digital divide, promoting green growth for a climate-vulnerable Pakistan, and restoring macroeconomic competitiveness. Participants stressed the importance of digitization, private-sector engagement, and predictable policy frameworks to ensure sustainable growth. The dialogue concluded with consensus on enhancing collaboration between the state and private sector, investing in human capital, and maintaining policy continuity as pillars of Pakistan’s economic reset.
Addressing the session, Ahsan Iqbal shared his personal journey as an illustration of purpose, education, and perseverance. He highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s youth and the importance of equipping them with skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape. He pointed to the government’s long-term development framework, Uraan Pakistan, which focuses on human capital investment, digital capability, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Iqbal emphasized that modern development is no longer solely about infrastructure but also creativity, resilience, and value addition. He stressed the need to shift Pakistan’s growth model from consumption-led to export-led by enhancing value across agriculture, information technology, minerals, and creative industries. He concluded by encouraging young Pakistanis to set goals, remain resilient, and contribute positively to national development, highlighting that Pakistan’s story holds immense potential alongside its challenges.
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