Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to increase Pakistan’s exports to $60 billion within the next five years.

He also emphasised the need for sustainable reforms in the tariff system to simplify procedures and make rates more business-friendly.

The directive came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting exports.

PM Shehbaz urged his economic team to implement reforms that enhance industrial productivity and make the tariff system more accessible and efficient.

He stressed that reducing tariff rates would create a more competitive environment for industries.

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The prime minister underscored the importance of prioritising the services, IT, and agriculture sectors to drive export-led economic growth, aligning with the “Uraan Pakistan” vision.

He also called for governance reforms in the Export Development Fund to support the development of export-oriented industries.

During the briefing, officials informed the prime minister about progress in trade-related reforms.

They highlighted that tariff rates had been gradually reduced over the past two years and that Pakistan hosts international trade exhibitions annually to attract foreign buyers.

The government is also finalizing the 2025-30 Strategic Trade Policy Framework in consultation with key stakeholders. Additionally, the e-commerce policy is in its final stages and will be presented for cabinet approval next month.

Officials also revealed that the National Compliance Centre has been established to help Pakistani industries align with international standards, enhance export capacity, and provide specialised training programs.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial, and senior officials from relevant institutions.

PM orders crackdown on fake medicines

In a separate meeting on healthcare and pharmaceutical sector reforms, PM Shehbaz directed authorities to establish an international-standard drug testing laboratory in Islamabad.

He also instructed provincial governments to collaborate in cracking down on counterfeit medicines. The prime minister emphasised that there would be no tolerance for those endangering human lives by selling fake drugs.

He ordered strict enforcement against counterfeiters and the formulation of a comprehensive plan for pharmaceutical sector development.

PM Shehbaz also approved the launch of mobile hospitals in remote areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan, to improve healthcare accessibility.

He directed the Drug Regulatory Authority to accelerate its reform programme and prioritise research to increase pharmaceutical exports.

PM encourages lawmakers

Separately, PM Shehbaz met with members of the National Assembly, including Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Shah Muhammad Shah, Muhammad Idrees, and Ehsanul Haq Bajwa.

The lawmakers appreciated the government’s economic stabilisation efforts and discussed constituency-related issues.

The prime minister urged them to maintain close engagement with the public and actively work towards resolving their concerns.