Islamabad, Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar has highlighted Pakistan’s significant strides towards achieving macroeconomic, exchange rate, and financial stability amidst ongoing challenges.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Shamshad Akhtar, in her virtual address at an IPO summit, provided an optimistic outlook for Pakistan’s economic growth. She projected a positive growth trajectory of two to two and a half percent for the current fiscal year, with the agricultural sector expected to grow by 5.6 percent and the industrial sector by 2.5 percent. Acknowledging the difficulties posed by high interest rates for capital markets, she noted the State Bank of Pakistan’s awareness of the need to lower interest rates, contingent upon a reduction in inflation.

The Finance Minister also emphasized that foundational steps have been taken to attract foreign direct investment. She noted the improvement in business confidence and market sentiments, citing the bullish momentum observed in the Pakistan Stock Market Index over the past five months, signaling a robust economic recovery process.