Economic Confidence Returns as Pakistan Stabilizes: RCCI Usman 

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Pakistan’s economic performance in 2025 signals a decisive shift from stabilization to sustained, productivity-driven growth, achieved despite fiscal tightening and climate-related challenges. 

Growth indicators remain encouraging, with GDP expanding by 3.71 percent in the first half of FY2026, reflecting continuity in the recovery momentum built during 2025.

These views were expressed by President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, during his appearance on a state-run news program Beyond Borders. 

RCCI Shaukat emphasized that macroeconomic stability was a necessary foundation for microeconomic improvement, noting that recent data clearly shows the trickle-down effects of stabilization measures. 

According to him, industry-led growth is now becoming increasingly visible across key sectors.

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Highlighting major economic indicators, he cited 2.7 percent real GDP growth in 2025, inflation falling to a historic low of 0.3 percent in April 2025, and the current account shifting from deficit to surplus during FY2025—developments he described as significant milestones for the national economy.

He further noted that foreign exchange reserves reaching USD 21 billion marked the highest level in many years, substantially strengthening external confidence.

Turning to capital markets, RCCI Shaukat said improved macroeconomic fundamentals have translated into strong corporate earnings. He pointed out that the Pakistan Stock Exchange crossing 174,000 points has positioned it among the best-performing markets in Asia, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

The RCCI president also welcomed progress on long-pending privatization initiatives, describing movement on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatization as a positive signal for much-needed structural reforms. 

While acknowledging that fiscal discipline under the IMF program remains stringent, he said achieving growth under such conditions underscores the return of economic confidence.

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On monetary policy, Shaukat observed that interest rates—once as high as 24 percent—have eased significantly, enabling capital to shift from banking into productive and industrial sectors, a development he described as essential for sustainable economic expansion.

Concluding his remarks, Shaukat expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic trajectory, stating that 2025 has emerged as a turning point where stability is translating into growth, opportunity, and renewed confidence for businesses and investors alike.