Petroleum Minister Pledges Pro-Business Push
FDI jumps in April as government woos American investors with promises of reforms
Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, vowed to maintain a pro-business trajectory, signaling stronger investor support and regulatory reforms as Islamabad looks to revive foreign investor confidence—especially among U.S.-linked firms.
Speaking in Lahore, on Saturday, Malik—who previously served as Minister of State for Finance—told a delegation from the American Business Forum (ABF) that the government is committed to creating a more predictable and investor-friendly environment. More than 25 U.S.-affiliated companies, including DuPont, were present during the high-level talks.
“We are fully aware that investor confidence hinges on stable policies and a transparent tax regime,” said Malik, adding that both local and foreign businesses will be facilitated through “clear, consistent, and consultative” policymaking.
The outreach comes as foreign direct investment into Pakistan showed a flicker of life last month. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, FDI rose to $141 million in April, up sharply from just $26 million in March, offering rare relief for a country grappling with fiscal tightening and structural reforms under an IMF-backed program.
The ABF session—chaired by DuPont’s local CEO Kamran Atta Khan—underscored cautious optimism. The forum’s vice president, Dr. Faisal Hashmi, praised the government’s “collaborative tone” and welcomed Malik’s promise of policy continuity.
ABF’s board noted that investor sentiment, particularly among U.S. businesses, is sensitive to Pakistan’s regulatory direction. “It’s encouraging to see a minister willing to engage and listen,” said Hashmi.
The government’s signal to international investors follows a broader strategy to rekindle trade and investment flows, especially amid global competition for capital. For now, Pakistan’s bet is that talking straight—and keeping policies steady—will help bring the dollars back.
