Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the development of a comprehensive strategy to elevate Pakistan’s exports to $60 billion within the next five years. He emphasized the need for sustainable reforms in the tariff system, aimed at simplifying procedures and making rates more business-friendly.
This directive was issued during a high-level meeting led by the Prime Minister to assess ongoing efforts to enhance exports. PM Shehbaz urged his economic team to implement reforms that would improve industrial productivity and make the tariff system more accessible and efficient. He highlighted that reducing tariff rates would foster a more competitive environment for industries.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of prioritizing the services, IT, and agriculture sectors to drive export-led economic growth, in alignment with the “Uraan Pakistan” vision. He also called for governance reforms in the Export Development Fund to support the development of export-oriented industries.
During the briefing, officials informed the Prime Minister about the progress in trade-related reforms, noting that tariff rates had been gradually reduced over the past two years. They also mentioned that Pakistan holds international trade exhibitions annually to attract foreign buyers. Additionally, the government is in the final stages of finalizing the 2025-30 Strategic Trade Policy Framework in consultation with key stakeholders. The e-commerce policy is nearing completion and is expected to be presented for cabinet approval next month.
Officials also announced the establishment of the National Compliance Centre, aimed at helping Pakistani industries align with international standards, enhance export capacity, and provide specialized training programs.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
PM Orders Crackdown on Fake Medicines
In a separate meeting on healthcare and pharmaceutical sector reforms, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to establish an international-standard drug testing laboratory in Islamabad. He also urged provincial governments to collaborate in cracking down on counterfeit medicines, stressing that there would be zero tolerance for those selling fake drugs that endanger human lives.
The Prime Minister directed strict enforcement against counterfeiters and called for the creation of a comprehensive plan for the development of the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, PM Shehbaz approved the launch of mobile hospitals in remote areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan, to improve healthcare accessibility.
He instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority to accelerate its reform agenda and focus on research to boost pharmaceutical exports.
PM Encourages Lawmakers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with members of the National Assembly, including Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Shah Muhammad Shah, Muhammad Idrees, and Ehsanul Haq Bajwa. The lawmakers expressed their support for the government’s economic stabilization efforts and discussed constituency-related issues.
The Prime Minister encouraged them to maintain close engagement with the public and actively address their concerns.
