Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday highlighted the incumbent government’s achievements to stabilise the country’s economy, saying that Pakistan stands at a “defining moment of economic transformation”.
“Despite huge challenges, placing our economy on a firm footing has been a central plank of what we have achieved in Pakistan in the last year,” the premier said while addressing the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai.
He pointed out that headline inflation has dropped to 2.4% in January this year — the lowest in nine years while the interest rate was capped at 12%, a major stimulus for private sector credit.
“Economic stability is a means and not the end…Our five Es under National Economic Transformation Plan, Uraan Pakistan, is driving this change focusing on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure and equity and empowerment,” he said.
The premier noted that energy security and sustainability were not just an economic necessity but also a national priority. “Pakistan is committed to achieving a 60% clean energy mix by 2030 and transitioning 30% of all vehicles to electric mobility,” he said.
“We are rapidly scaling up solar, wind, hydropower and nuclear energy. Our southern regions hold 50,000 MW of untapped wind energy potential. Our northern hydropower projects will add 13,000 MW of clean energy capacity.
“Solar energy adoption is being accelerated through policy reforms, tax exemptions, investment, incentives, net-metering and waiving custom duties on solar panels and other equipment,” he added.
The prime minister further stated that Pakistan offers one of the most dynamic investment landscapes in Asia, with 70% of its young and tech-savvy population under the age of 30. “Pakistan’s strategic location bridges South and Central Asia, and with an emerging middle class, our economy presents promising opportunities”.
“We are simplifying business regulations and launching legal protections and streamlining investment approvals to make Pakistan a leading destination for global capital,” he added.
In order to drive investment in key sectors, PM Shehbaz said that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been established to focus on renewable energy, resilient infrastructure technology and digital economy, minerals and industrial development and agricultural and food security.
“Pakistan is embracing eco-friendly agricultural innovations under the umbrella of the adaptation policy of 2023 to enhance productivity and ensure food security and strengthen our rural economy,” he added.
