ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has underscored the importance of implementing reforms to translate Pakistan’s international and diplomatic achievements into robust economic growth. He presented the September 2026 Monthly Development Update in Islamabad, emphasizing the need for continuity in reforms, political stability, productive investment, and the development of a stronger export-oriented economy.

According to Radio Pakistan, Iqbal highlighted the positive trends in Pakistan’s economic indicators, noting that the manufacturing sector is gaining momentum. Large-Scale Manufacturing growth reached 3.0 percent in July FY2026-27, expanding by 9.5 percent compared to June 2026. Significant growth was reported in several sectors, including automobiles at 57.01 percent, transport equipment at 40.22 percent, tobacco at 35.82 percent, wearing apparel at 22.03 percent, electrical equipment at 7.88 percent, and non-metallic mineral products at 4.25 percent.

The Minister stated that these performance metrics reflect a strengthening of the industrial base and emphasized the need to reinvigorate traditional export-oriented sectors. He also mentioned that the government is implementing targeted measures to address price pressures, focusing on closing unjustified wholesale-retail price gaps and enhancing the oversight of essential commodities.

Addressing the political situation, Iqbal urged political parties to ensure their actions do not align with the interests of external adversaries. He emphasized that Pakistan’s political disputes should be resolved through constitutional and democratic institutions.