Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has stated that Pakistan’s real economy could be close to $1 trillion, nearly double the officially recorded $411 billion. He made these remarks during a business session held for a visiting Saudi business delegation at the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in Karachi.
The Finance Minister highlighted that nearly half of Pakistan’s economy remains undocumented. He emphasized that digitization and proper documentation are crucial for broadening the tax base and improving fiscal stability.
Aurangzeb said the Prime Minister is personally overseeing two major reform initiatives: tax reforms and the country’s digital transformation toward a cashless economy. According to him, these reforms will strengthen economic growth and attract more private sector investment.
The Finance Minister also underlined that Pakistan’s economic growth should be led by the private sector. The government’s role, he said, is to provide an enabling ecosystem for businesses and investors. Aurangzeb noted that macroeconomic stability has been restored, with all three major global rating agencies now aligned for the first time in several years.
Referring to international cooperation, the Finance Minister mentioned the recently approved Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Security Pact. He said the agreement reflects growing confidence between the two countries and opens doors for deeper economic collaboration.
Aurangzeb also spoke about ongoing constructive talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said only a few issues remain before a likely staff-level agreement is finalized in Washington.
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The Finance Minister stressed that the government is now focused on turning stabilization into sustainable growth. He highlighted priorities such as promoting exports, improving energy efficiency, and accelerating digital transformation. “Reform, documentation, and investment must go hand in hand,” he said.
With these measures, Finance Minister Aurangzeb believes Pakistan’s economy is on a path toward stronger growth and fiscal stability.
