{
  "id": 14210994,
  "title": "FM Aurangzeb vows continued reforms under IMF programme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/fm-aurangzeb-vows-continued-reforms-under-imf-programme",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-13T13:49:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40444019/fm-aurangzeb-vows-continued-reforms-under-imf-programme"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb affirmed on Tuesday that Pakistan will retain control over taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, and pension reforms under the IMF-supported program. He emphasized that consistent implementation is crucial for achieving enduring economic growth and public well-being. The minister raised debt management and fiscal reforms during a panel discussion on mitigating sovereign risks in market-access countries, which occurred during the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.\n\nAurangzeb reiterated national ownership of taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, and pension reforms under the IMF-backed program. He stressed the importance of sustained reform implementation to convert macroeconomic stability into sustainable growth and public welfare. The minister also highlighted Pakistan's progress in fiscal consolidation, reduced inflation, and restored foreign exchange reserves.\n\nHe outlined debt management measures to lower financing costs, extend maturities, and reduce rollover risks. Aurangzeb stressed that renewed market access helps bolster a strategy to enhance the external debt profile without expanding the overall debt size. During the meeting, the Finance Minister discussed Mashreq Bank's growing presence in Pakistan. He praised macroeconomic gains and renewed market access, reaffirming his backing for Mashreq's expansion and sustainable growth. The discussion delved into digital banking growth, opportunities to augment financial inclusion through technology and microfinance, and expanding offshore service operations leveraging Pakistan's skilled workforce.\n\nThe minister also examined digital accounts for overseas Pakistanis, foreign currency products, and broader outreach across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Additionally, he explored collaboration on tokenisation, blockchain, and digital assets within Pakistan's evolving regulatory landscape. He reviewed potential support for Sukuk, additional Panda bond issuance, and innovative financing options under Pakistan’s medium-term debt strategy.",
  "summary": "Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed on Tuesday Pakistan’s ownership of taxation, energy, state-owned enterprise (SOE) and pension reforms under the IMF-supported programme, stressing that sustained implementation was essential to achieve lasting economic growth and public welfare. The development came as the minister highlighted debt management and fiscal reforms at a panel on…",
  "key_points": [
    "Finance Minister Aurangzeb vows continued reforms under IMF program",
    "National control over taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, pensions retained",
    "Emphasized sustained reform implementation for economic growth and public welfare"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}