Pakistan has enough energy supplies to last through November, planning for winter spike: Aurangzeb

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan has sufficient energy supplies to last through November, but is now preparing for the winter months when demand typically increases. The government will not procure spot cargoes at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) front unless there is an absolute need, as global energy prices have surged due to the US-Israeli war on Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries.

Aurangzeb expressed concern over attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as such damage could delay a return to economic normalcy. Pakistan has been a frequent customer of the IMF, currently in its 25th program with the Fund since gaining independence in 1947. The country's tax revenues have grown significantly in recent years, and the government aims to combat tax theft by private sector businesses.

However, there remains room for improvement in increasing income tax collection. Aurangzeb is leading Pakistan's delegation and holding high-level engagements with international financial institutions, finance ministers, policymakers, and investors at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok.