Pakistan shifts from aid to investment as economic reforms gain credibility

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Pakistan is no longer seeking aid-based support and is shifting decisively towards trade- and investment-led engagement to secure long-term economic sustainability and mutually beneficial partnerships, especially with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In an interview with CNN Business Arabia, he said this strategic direction, clearly articulated by the prime minister, reflects renewed economic confidence and reform momentum. He noted that Pakistan has remained on a comprehensive macroeconomic stabilisation programme for 18 months, producing measurable results. Inflation, which had peaked at 38%, has now fallen to single-digit levels.