State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad informed international investors that wise policies and structural adjustments have made Pakistan's economy better equipped to handle internal and global pressures.
As detailed in an official central bank release, the governor spoke with representatives from institutions including JP Morgan, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, and Bank of America during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings held in Bangkok from October 12 to 17.
Financial Metrics Presented To Bankers
Jameel Ahmad noted that inflation dropped significantly from the peaks seen in FY23, moving close to the desired band in FY26, even after facing a severe shock in oil prices. Furthermore, real GDP expansion hit 3.7 percent in FY26 and is forecasted to land between 3.5 and 4.5 percent for FY27.
Official central bank reserves climbed from under $3 billion in February 2023 up to $21.5 billion by October 9, 2026. At the same time, forward liabilities dropped from above $5.7 billion down to under $1 billion, driven mostly by central bank foreign exchange purchases rather than large foreign borrowing.
He pointed out that the current account shortfall should remain between 0 and 1 percent of GDP through FY27. Additionally, the primary fiscal balance recorded its third consecutive yearly surplus during FY26.
The governor also pointed to the staff-level accord reached with the IMF regarding the EFF and RSF evaluations, noting that these transformations have strengthened market trust and prompted upgrades to sovereign credit scores.
