LAHORE: All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) President Syed Maaz Mehmood has lauded the significant improvement in Pakistan’s economic stability as highlighted by Bloomberg, terming it a clear reflection of investor confidence, responsible fiscal management, and the government’s successful engagement with international financial institutions. He called the development an encouraging milestone for Pakistan’s economic outlook and stressed the need for consistency in reforms and policies to ensure long-term growth. According to recent data published by Bloomberg Intelligence, Pakistan has recorded the sharpest decline in sovereign default risk among all major emerging markets over the past year. The country’s default probability dropped from 59 percent to 47 percent—an 1,100 basis point improvement—making Pakistan the top performer in Bloomberg’s Global EM Rankings for default risk reduction. This improvement comes amid positive signals from international rating agencies and reflects the combined impact of macroeconomic stabilization, structural reforms, successful debt management, and the continuity of IMF engagement. Syed Maaz Mehmood said that the report is a strong vote of confidence in Pakistan’s current economic trajectory and demonstrates that the government’s efforts to bring discipline in fiscal management and maintain timely external debt repayments are being recognized globally. He praised the government’s effective diplomacy with international lenders, particularly the timely engagement with the IMF and strategic partners such as China, which have helped to stabilize reserves and avert financial uncertainty. Staff reporter
He noted that Pakistan’s inclusion at the top of Bloomberg’s sovereign risk improvement rankings sends a resounding signal to global investors that Pakistan is regaining its credibility on the international stage. This improved perception must now translate into greater access to international capital markets, increased foreign direct investment, and stronger partnerships with global businesses.
At the same time, the APBF president emphasized that this positive momentum must be sustained through continuous policy support for productive sectors of the economy. He said that while reduction in default risk is a key achievement, the next phase must focus on accelerating industrial growth, supporting exporters, and improving the investment climate to create employment and generate consistent revenue streams.
He urged the government to work closely with the business community and exporters to ensure that access to energy, financing, and raw materials is made easier and more predictable. He said that removing import restrictions on industrial inputs and improving refund mechanisms under the FBR would boost competitiveness and enhance Pakistan’s ability to maintain macroeconomic gains.
Syed Maaz Mehmood also called for long-term planning to gradually reduce external borrowing and build internal revenue capacity by broadening the tax base and encouraging documentation of the economy. He stressed that excessive reliance on commercial debt should be replaced by sustainable economic reforms and productive sector growth.
He added that while the Bloomberg report presents a reason for optimism, it should also serve as a reminder that reforms must continue and that fiscal responsibility should be maintained even in politically challenging circumstances. He said that investor confidence is earned through consistency and credibility, and Pakistan must now focus on becoming a regional trade and investment hub through targeted economic diplomacy and structural improvements.
The APBF president reaffirmed the business community’s support for the government’s efforts and offered full cooperation in policy consultations aimed at strengthening industry, boosting exports, and ensuring that Pakistan remains on a path of financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
