Islamabad, March 4, 2025: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday claimed that certain elements were unwilling to accept the government’s efforts to steer the economy away from default and achieve stability.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) building in Islamabad, Dar stressed the need for youth participation in economic growth and outlined ongoing corporate law reforms. He highlighted that the Corporate Law Authority had been made autonomous to strengthen governance.
Addressing concerns over business uncertainty, Dar acknowledged that some members of the business community had considered relocating. However, he noted that the integration of all stock markets had revitalized the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), pushing it to record highs.
Dar credited the previous PDM government with preventing economic collapse and asserted that the economy was now on a stable trajectory, similar to the 2013-2017 period, when Pakistan witnessed significant economic growth.
Emphasizing the need to reduce external debt and work towards economic self-reliance, Dar praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, claiming that his efforts had pulled Pakistan back from the brink of default.
“We have stabilized the economy, but some elements refuse to acknowledge this progress. They want to see Pakistan in default,” he stated.
Dar also noted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic success, highlighting that the country had successfully hosted a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) event after 27 years, signaling a break from diplomatic isolation.