brecorder14d ago
ISLAMABAD: In a bold move to revitalise the struggling economy and revive ailing export sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday unveiled a sweeping package of economic reforms, including a dramatic Rs4.04 per unit cut in electricity tariffs for industries, a reduction in wheeling charges to Rs9 per unit, and a sharp drop in the export refinance scheme rate from 7.5 percent to 4.5percent.In his key address to the 2024-25 top exporters’ award ceremony, the prime minister also announced blue passports for leading exporters and outlined measures to cut the export refinance rate, electricity tariffs, and wheeling charges to ease financial pressures on industries.He hailed exporters as the backbone of the nation’s economic revival, declaring, “The relentless dedication of our exporters has poured billions of pounds into Pakistan, putting the economy firmly on the path to sustainable growth.”READ MORE: PM to meet exporters todayHowever, he also acknowledged the fiscal constraints limiting further reductions in electricity tariffs. “If it were in my control, I would have reduced it by another Rs10. However, as you all know, my hands are tied,” he remarked.He stressed the need for collaboration within the business community, announcing a cut in wheeling charges to under Rs 9, enabling businesses to sell surplus power and reduce costs, while praising their resilience and saying, “The billions you’ve earned for Pakistan, the entire nation congratulates you.”Reflecting on the country’s fragile financial position a year ago, PM Sharif recalled the widespread uncertainty. “In 2023, there were reports of an impending default, and the country was on the brink of collapse,” he said.He further shared a pivotal moment during his meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Paris, where he assured her of Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the IMF programme. “I gave her my word of honour that we would honour the agreement,” he stated, crediting this pledge for securing a crucial IMF bailout that helped avert default.Looking ahead, the Prime Minister highlighted positive developments, noting that the country’s foreign exchange reserves had doubled in the third quarter, largely due to loans from allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, while also acknowledging their support.However, he cautioned, “Whoever takes a loan, there are obligations associated with it,” emphasising the need for prudent debt management.Despite positive signs, Pm Sharif acknowledged that the country’s economic stabilisation remained a work in progress, saying, “We have stabilised the economy, but this is not enough.”While inflation has eased into single digits and the policy rate lowered to 10.5 percent, he added, poverty, unemployment, and high operational costs for industries continue to pose significant challenges. He reaffirmed that export-led growth is the only viable path for the country’s future, stating, “We need to move towards sustainable growth, and that means fostering export-led growth.”He also called for increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), urging both the public and private sectors to collaborate more effectively in nurturing these vital economic drivers. “I have full faith in the vision and commitment of our business leaders,” he affirmed, expressing confidence that they would play a pivotal role in the country’s economic transformation.He emphasised that the country’s economic stability depends on export-led growth and FDI in export-oriented projects, urging the business community to drive sustainable development. He stressed that stabilisation alone is not enough, with export-driven growth being the only solution for the country’s future. He also confirmed that future FDI would be focused on export-led projects to boost foreign exchange and reserves.Turning to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the Prime Minister expressed hope that, following its recent privatisation, the national carrier would be restored to its former glory. He assured the consortium of the government’s full support. He was confident that it could revive the airline to its peak performance.As his address concluded, Sharif reiterated his belief in Pakistan’s potential. “The economy has stabilised, but we must now focus on building a stronger, more sustainable future,” he said.In his final remarks, Pm Sharif pointed to the global recognition Pakistan gained following last year’s ‘battle of Haq’, where political and military leadership came together to drive economic reform. He stressed that the road to success required both effort and unity.He stated that the government had allocated Rs1,052 billion for the export refinance scheme, of which Rs900 billion had already been utilised, adding that exporters were currently receiving a three percent relief on the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) policy rate, which has now been further reduced to 4.5percent.The Prime Minister also honoured standout exporters, including Lucky Textile, Sufi Industries, Nova Textile, US Apparel, Asif Rice Mills, Alkaram Textile, Sapphire Textile, Ghareeb Sons Rice Mills, Diamond Fabrics, Riyadh Textile, Sadaqat Private Limited, and Style Textile, recognising their exceptional contributions to Pakistan’s export sector.A documentary on the government’s economic performance was also shown, followed by awards presented to outstanding exporters and business personalities of 2024 and 2025.Top government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior ministers, were joined by leading business figures and exporters from across the country at the function.Copyright Business Recorder, 2026