Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to increase Pakistan’s exports, aiming to reach USD 60 billion within the next five years.
Chairing a meeting on Thursday, the prime minister emphasized the services, information technology (IT), and agriculture sectors as key areas for growth. He instructed his economic team to implement sustainable tariff reforms to boost industrial production and simplify the system for exporters.
Officials briefed the premier on recent efforts to reform the Ministry of Commerce and expand exports. It was noted that tariffs have been gradually reduced over the past two years, and Pakistan has been hosting international exhibitions annually to attract global buyers. Additionally, consultations on the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (2025-30) are ongoing, while the final draft of the E-commerce policy is expected to be presented to the cabinet next month.
Separately, the prime minister also chaired a meeting on health and pharmaceutical sector reforms. He directed the establishment of a state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory in Islamabad to ensure medicine quality meets international standards. He also called for launching mobile hospitals to provide healthcare in Islamabad’s outskirts, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan.
To support the pharmaceutical industry, PM Shehbaz urged investment in medical research to enhance exports. Currently, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports stand at USD 500 million, with the Ministry of Health working on reforms to drive further growth.
Meanwhile, the government is expected to approve a PKR 20.5 billion Ramazan Relief Package soon, with an official announcement anticipated on Friday.
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