Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has warned that Pakistan must double its exports to $60 billion within four years to avoid returning to the International Monetary Fund, highlighting the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
He said the government plans to declare an export emergency aimed at boosting overseas sales, speeding up tax refunds for export-oriented industries, and removing structural bottlenecks that hinder trade growth and competitiveness.
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Iqbal emphasized that failure to significantly increase exports would leave Pakistan with limited options, forcing the country to either seek assistance from friendly nations or return to the IMF, which has supported Pakistan 25 times since 1950.
Pakistan last secured a $7 billion IMF programme in 2024 to stabilize its economy, and authorities are now focused on reducing dependence on external bailouts through targeted export and economic reforms across multiple sectors.
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The Planning Ministry has briefed both civil and military leadership on strategies to strengthen exports, and the Dar-led committee is expected to submit detailed recommendations to the Prime Minister next week for implementation.
Iqbal concluded by stressing Pakistan’s potential to achieve these ambitious export targets, noting that sustained policy support, structural reforms, and efficient execution are key to breaking the cycle of repeated IMF reliance.