File Photo
The government's multi-pronged strategy to combat inflation, encompassing fiscal consolidation, monetary policy adjustments, and targeted relief measures, has yielded significant results.
According to Business Confidence Surveys of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the inflation declined substantially with the inflation rate plummeting to 4.9% in November 2024 as compared to 29.2% in November last year, marking a return to single-digit inflation.
This achievement boded well for the country's economic stability and set the stage for sustained growth and development.
Building on this momentum, the government is committed to maintaining price stability, and will continue to vigilantly monitor economic trends, refining its policies as needed to ensure that inflation remains under control, and the country's economic progress benefit all segments of society.
This downward trend in the inflation was observed not only at the national level but also at the urban and rural levels, indicating a broad-based decline in inflation.
According to the Finance Division report, external sector also performed well in the year 2024. Current Account Balance during July-November in the current fiscal year posted a surplus of 0.94 billion dollars against the deficit of 1.67 billion dollar in the same period last year.
Similarly, worker's remittances during the first five month of financial year 2024-25, also witnessed an increase by 33.6 percent and reached 14.8 billion dollar against 11.1 billion dollar in the same period last year.
Moreover, the Foreign Direct Investment during July-November of the current fiscal year increased by 31.3 percent.
According to report, Pakistan's Stock Exchange is considered among the top- performing stock markets in 2024 by Bloomberg. The KSE-100 Index was recorded at 109,513 points on December 20 as compared to 78444 points in end period fiscal year 2024.
The report issued by the Finance Division said the Pakistan's Business Confidence and Investment Climate also witnessed substantial upward trajectory.
The European Parliament extended Pakistan's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status until 2027. This extension allows continued preferential access to EU markets, promoting export growth and economic development.
The 23rd Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was held in Islamabad in October this year showcased Pakistan's role in regional cooperation, fostering economic partnerships and dialogue among member states, and enhancing its global diplomatic and trade profile.
Similarly, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), after a span of four-year suspension, is set to resume flights to Europe, starting with Paris on January 10 next year. This restoration of services is expected to facilitate international trade and tourism, thereby positively impacting the economy.
As far as the Credit Ratings are concerned, Pakistan's economy also performed well in the current fiscal year.
International credit agency, Fitch, upgraded Pakistan's credit rating to 'CCC+' in the current year, reflecting improved economic stability and fiscal management. This upgrade enhances Pakistan's creditworthiness, signaling reduced borrowing costs and a more favorable environment for investors.
The international rating agency, Moody, also revised Pakistan's credit rating to 'Caa2' with a positive outlook, highlighting confidence in Pakistan's fiscal reforms and economic resilience. This improvement reinforces the country's investment appeal by projecting a stable financial trajectory.
These developments reflect a dynamic economic environment in Pakistan, with both challenges and positive strides influencing business and investor confidence during this period.