- 42% Pakistanis optimistic about economic direction.
- Inflation control, reforms driving consumer confidence.
- Job security hits highest level since 2019.
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday welcomed the findings of the latest IPSOS Consumer Confidence Survey, citing them as a clear indication of Pakistan’s improving economic situation and growing public trust.
According to a statement issued by the finance ministry, the survey shows a significant rise in consumer confidence, with 42% of Pakistanis now believing that the country is moving in the right direction.
The finance minister said that these results reflect the success of the government’s coordinated and responsible economic strategy. He added that public trust has been earned through key measures such as inflation control and stronger fiscal discipline.
Aurangzeb noted that consumer confidence has increased, particularly in areas of large-scale purchases and investment, suggesting that households feel more secure about their financial outlook.
He further highlighted that confidence regarding job security has reached its highest level since 2019.
Meanwhile, the government has projected a resurgence in inflationary trends, forecasting an average CPI-based inflation rate of up to 7.5% for the 2025–26 budget, a notable increase from the 5% recorded in the current fiscal year, according to The News.
The Ministry of Planning cautioned that the external sector could come under strain, as the relaxation of import restrictions and upcoming debt repayments are expected to widen the current account deficit in the upcoming budget.
The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC), scheduled to meet on June 2, 2025, is all set to consider recommending the overall macroeconomic framework for the upcoming budget, including envisaging GDP growth rate of 4.2% for the next budget against 2.68% for the outgoing financial year.
These macroeconomic projections show that the stabilisation mode would continue in the coming fiscal year under the tight noose of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to the government’s prescriptions, public investment is projected to increase from 2.9% to 3.2%. Similarly, private investment is also projected to rise from 9.1% of GDP to 9.8%.
