The United States has urged Pakistan to prioritize and expand its economic reforms to address its current economic challenges. In meetings with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Assistant Secretary Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst emphasized the importance of taking immediate action to tackle the country’s financial hardships.
During a press briefing, the US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, stated that the US encouraged Pakistan to prioritize and expand economic reforms to address its economic challenges effectively. Aurangzeb is currently in Washington, D.C., to hold negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new bailout package and to attend World Bank meetings.
Patel further emphasized that Pakistan remains an important partner for the United States, particularly in terms of security cooperation. He highlighted the intention to continue collaboration and work closely with the Government of Pakistan.
In the meetings between Aurangzeb, Lu, and Horst, discussions focused on various areas of economic development, including broadening the tax base, streamlining the energy sector, and implementing privatization measures.
The parties also explored opportunities to strengthen economic partnerships, particularly in alternate energy, agriculture, climate resilience, and the tech industry. Aurangzeb highlighted potential American investments in information technology, renewables, agriculture, and mineral extraction.
These meetings reflect the ongoing efforts to address Pakistan’s economic challenges and foster cooperation between the United States and Pakistan to achieve sustainable economic growth.
