Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, emphasized the need for an open-minded approach to cryptocurrency regulations while highlighting Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic stability at the Pakistan Banking Summit 2025.
At the event organized by the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), Aurangzeb revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will visit Pakistan in early March to review the country’s economic performance. He also noted that a technical mission is already in the country to discuss flexible climate financing strategies.
Aurangzeb acknowledged that Pakistan is behind in regulating digital assets but assured that efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive framework. He urged authorities to embrace cryptocurrency and digital banking innovations, recognizing their potential impact on financial inclusion and economic transformation.
The finance minister asserted that Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability has significantly improved, citing:
He confirmed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set for privatization within the year and that the government is committed to reforming the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through digitalization. The introduction of faceless tax assessments has reduced corruption by 90%, making tax collection more transparent and efficient.
Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s growing trade relations with Central Asian nations and Turkey, while trade with India remains contingent on geopolitical factors. He also announced a milestone achievement Pakistan became a sugar exporter for the first time.
The government is focused on:
To enhance trade regulation, Pakistan is implementing stricter border monitoring measures.
Aurangzeb outlined key focus areas for sustainable economic growth, including:
He announced that the government will conduct regular reviews with provincial finance ministers on agricultural reform implementation and will establish a policy-level advisory board in collaboration with the banking sector.
To strengthen SME sector development, he introduced plans for:
Reflecting on his recent global conference visit to Saudi Arabia, Aurangzeb discussed how emerging markets emphasize private sector leadership, deregulation, and reducing bureaucratic red tape.
He stressed:
Additionally, Pakistan’s recent discussions with credit rating agencies indicate potential improvement in global market rankings, with expectations of moving into the single ‘D’ category.
Aurangzeb concluded by reiterating that Pakistan’s economic sustainability depends on addressing population growth and climate change challenges. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and strategic reforms to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.
The event was attended by industry leaders, including:
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