Speaking at a ceremony held in honour of leading exporters and business figures, the prime minister said the relief was aimed at supporting industrial growth and exports. He remarked, “I truly wish I could cut the price by Rs10, but my hands are tied.”
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had defeated India in a way that “their generations will remember”. He added that Pakistan’s success during tensions with India changed global opinions, and the country is now viewed with respect worldwide.
He said attitudes changed during his foreign visits after the معرکہ حق. The prime minister announced that award-winning exporters and business leaders would be given blue passports for two years, adding that he would explain later why the duration was limited. He called exporters and businesspeople the crown of the nation.
The prime minister said economic policy would be shaped after consultation with the business community. He said traders play a key role in the economy and their contribution continues to grow. He praised exporters for working day and night to raise Pakistan’s name, especially during difficult times.
Shehbaz Sharif said exporters achieved a strong increase in exports in 2025, bringing billions of dollars into the country. He recalled that in the past, claims were made that Pakistan was close to bankruptcy and even technically defaulted. He said he met the IMF managing director at the Paris summit in 2023.
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He said the IMF had set tough conditions and saving the country from default was a major challenge. He thanked countries that supported Pakistan, including China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. He said seeking help often hurts self-respect, adding that Sri Lanka had advised the IMF that Pakistan should be saved from bankruptcy.
The prime minister said the IMF approved a program for Pakistan, helping stabilize the economy. He said stability has returned but the situation is still not ideal. He stressed the need to move Pakistan towards growth.
Shehbaz Sharif said government efforts saved the country from bankruptcy. He said difficult decisions are now producing positive results. Inflation has come down to single digits, while the policy rate has fallen from 22% to around 10.5%. He warned that without further cuts, economic capacity cannot expand fully.
The tariff cut offers limited relief to industries. The PM admits constraints despite intentions. Exporters remain central to economic recovery. Further reforms are needed for long-term growth.
