ByPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while stressing that the country’s economy cannot rely on excessive taxation in the long term. Speaking at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, the prime minister highlighted the government’s plans for achieving economic self-reliance and stated that Pakistan would eventually move away from IMF programmes “when the time is right.”
During his address, the prime minister underscored Karachi’s critical role as the country’s financial and export hub. He credited collaborative government efforts for revitalising the city, remarking that Karachi, which had experienced challenges in the past, is now reclaiming its status as the center of Pakistan’s trade and finance. He also stressed the importance of leveraging stock market momentum for sustainable economic growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed optimism about ongoing and future initiatives, including the “Uraan Pakistan” programme aimed at boosting the economy. While acknowledging recent achievements, he emphasised the need for sustained reforms to ensure continued progress.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister was welcomed at Pakistan Air Force Base Faisal by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. He was accompanied by key federal ministers, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The prime minister’s Karachi visit also includes meetings with business leaders and stops at the Karachi Port Trust and Aga Khan University.
During his trip, PM Shehbaz inaugurated the Faceless Customs Assessment System, a new initiative designed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs clearance. This automated system, which reduces clearance times and minimises human interaction, was developed under his directives during an earlier visit to Karachi. The prime minister also attended a ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone as the PSX surpassed the 100,000-point mark. Additionally, he visited the South Asian Port Terminal, where he received a briefing on the newly implemented customs system.
