Pakistan finance chief urges stronger reform implementation amid stabilizing economy

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb addresses the officers of the 124th National Management Course at the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) in Lahore, Pakistan, on February 13, 2026. (Finance Ministry)
Short Url
Updated 14 February 2026
Follow

Pakistan finance chief urges stronger reform implementation amid stabilizing economy

  • Muhammad Aurangzeb calls for inter-ministerial coordination, data-driven policymaking
  • He stresses the need to translate policy into execution in an address to civil servants

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday urged senior civil servants to strengthen implementation of economic reforms and improve coordination across government, as the country seeks to consolidate gains made after a prolonged financial crisis.

Speaking to officers of the 124th National Management Course at the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) in Lahore, Aurangzeb emphasized the role of senior administrators in translating policy into execution, according to a statement issued by the Finance Division.

“Sustainable economic progress depends not only on sound policy formulation but also on effective implementation across tiers of government,” the statement quoted him as saying.

It added that Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making and inter-ministerial coordination in addressing challenges including fiscal sustainability, energy sector reform and climate resilience.

Pakistan has stabilized its economy in recent years with support from the International Monetary Fund and financial backing from regional partners and has pledged to broaden the tax base, improve public financial management and strengthen transparency to sustain recovery.

The Finance Division said the session formed part of a “Strategic Policy Dialogue” initiative aimed at fostering engagement between national leadership and senior civil servants on governance and economic priorities.


Pakistan hikes prices of petrol by Rs5, diesel by Rs7.32 per liter for next fortnight

Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan hikes prices of petrol by Rs5, diesel by Rs7.32 per liter for next fortnight

  • After latest increase, new price of petrol is RsRs258.17 per liter while that of diesel is Rs275.70 per liter
  • Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed fortnightly, influenced by global oil prices, exchange rate movements, taxes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has increased the price of petrol by Rs5 per liter and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs5 per liter and Rs7.32 per liter, respectively, an official notification by the Ministry of Energy said on Sunday. 

After the fresh increase, the new price of petrol is Rs258.17 per liter from the previous Rs253.17 per liter. Meanwhile, the new price of HSD is Rs275.70 per liter, up from the previous Rs268.38 per liter. 

“The government has raised the prices of petroleum products based on recommendations of OGRA [Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority],” a notification by the Ministry of Energy said on Sunday. 

Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed fortnightly and are influenced by global oil prices, exchange rate movements and domestic taxes. The pricing mechanism passes changes in import costs on to consumers.

The government kept the price of petrol unchanged on Feb. 1, increasing that of HSD by Rs11.30 per lite. 

Petrol is mainly used in private transport, motorcycles and rickshaws, while diesel fuels heavy transport and agricultural machinery and is considered a key driver of inflation in the South Asian country.

Financial analysts warn constant increases in prices of petroleum products stoke inflation, inflicting a heavy burden on consumers.