Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for continuity in Pakistan’s economic policies, warning that abrupt changes with every political transition damage long-term growth. Addressing a dinner in honour of the business community, Dar said Pakistan’s economic direction must remain stable, free from political interference, to encourage investor confidence and sustainable development.
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Reflecting on his decades of public service, Dar recalled that in 2016, interest rates were reduced to boost growth, but politically motivated events in 2017 derailed progress. “The setbacks of the following four years are now clear to all,” he said, adding that Pakistan successfully avoided default despite global economic pressures.
He urged business leaders to ignore misinformation and rumours that, according to him, had discouraged investment and prompted some to consider leaving the country. “We told them not to be swayed by false reports,” he said, assuring that policy rates were now being adjusted to match economic realities.
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Dar also highlighted a shift in Pakistan’s global relations, saying that two years ago the country faced diplomatic isolation, but the situation has since changed. “At that time, no one would meet or invite us. Now the world can see the difference,” he remarked.
Criticising past decisions on border policy, Dar said opening borders with Afghanistan “over a cup of tea” reversed hard-won progress in the fight against terrorism. He vowed to continue efforts to eliminate militancy, pointing out that Rs100 billion had already been spent on anti-terror operations.
He also defended Pakistan’s principled stance on global issues, including its condemnation of an attack against Iran, despite concerns about upsetting the United States. “Friendship does not mean endorsing what is wrong,” he said, noting that the Iranian Parliament appreciated Pakistan’s position.
