Pakistan, Aug. 13 -- Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has vowed to shut tax loopholes, improve investor confidence, and keep economic reforms on track. Speaking at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Independence Day event, he highlighted international appreciation for Pakistan's reform efforts. Recent Gallup surveys, he said, indicate rising economic optimism, alongside a 60% surge in the stock exchange, a growing number of investors, and over 250,000 new company registrations.

Aurangzeb hinted at further cuts to the key policy rate later this year, citing a steady decline in both average and core inflation. In May, the State Bank of Pakistan reduced the policy rate by 100 basis points to 11%, surpassing market ...