Annual publication: IBA launches ‘The State of Pakistan’s Economy 2026-27’

KARACHI - The IBA Centre for Business and Economic Research (CBER) inaugurated its annual publication, 'The State of Pakistan’s Economy 2026–27: Stagnation to Sustainability,' at the IBA Main Campus. The event convened policymakers, academics, business leaders, development practitioners, and students to deliberate on Pakistan's economic challenges and paths toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

Esteemed panelists, including Zafar Masud, President & CEO of Bank of Punjab, and Nadia Seth, CEO of SMEDA (Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority), provided their insights on the report and the nation's economic future.

Masud underscored the importance of macroeconomic stability translating into enhanced living standards, job creation, robust human capital, and poverty reduction. He emphasized the necessity of effective implementation, innovative financing, public-private partnerships, and growth driven by productivity, describing IBA’s State of Economy publication as a valuable addition to Pakistan's policy discourse.

Seth stressed the need to enhance SME productivity through modernization, increased formalization, and improved access to financing. She also highlighted the significance of dependable, updated enterprise data to foster stronger, evidence-based policymaking.

The launch culminated with a collective focus on converting economic stability into sustainable, inclusive, and productivity-led growth. Through 'The State of Pakistan’s Economy 2026–27,' CBER aims to bolster informed policy dialogue by aggregating research, evidence, and viewpoints from academia, industry, and the public sector.