Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Monday, voiced his satisfaction with the findings of the latest Gallup Business Confidence Index, which indicates that confidence among Pakistani businesses in the national economy has reached its highest level in the past four years.
Calling the survey results “highly encouraging,” the prime minister highlighted that the economic direction score has improved to -2 — the most positive figure since the fourth quarter of 2021.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, this marks a notable shift from the figures reported in the final quarter of 2024.
“These results reflect the business community’s growing trust in the stability of the country’s political and economic environment. Thanks to our reform agenda, transparency has increased in the system, and the trading community is experiencing greater ease of doing business,” PM Shehbaz said.
He attributed this progress to wide-ranging reforms implemented by the government, including digitization efforts at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), structural changes within the energy sector, and improved governance mechanisms. These initiatives, according to him, have opened up new possibilities for investment and trade.
PM Shehbaz also pointed to strengthening macroeconomic indicators and improved international credit ratings as signs of the country's progress. He noted that a noticeable reduction in corruption and bribery has further validated the effectiveness of the administration’s economic policies.
“The benefits of macroeconomic reforms have begun to reach the common man,” he added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to boosting institutional performance.
The premier highlighted the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s recent landmark achievement, where the KSE-100 Index surged past the 147,000-point mark for the first time ever.
He commended Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his economic team for their “commendable efforts” in driving these improvements.
PM Shehbaz reiterated the government’s intention to broaden engagement with the business sector, aiming to introduce more investor-friendly measures and strengthen support for entrepreneurship.