ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani announced that Pakistan has secured the lowest tariff rate in South Asia—19%—following a landmark trade agreement with the United States, aimed at boosting exports and deepening economic ties.
Speaking in the National Assembly during question hour on Thursday, the minister said, “No one expected this progress amid political turbulence. Even critics must acknowledge our trade ties with the US are improving.”
He credited the trade breakthrough to efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, and COAS Asim Munir’s engagement with US leadership, including President Donald Trump.
Kayani added that new energy policies are underway to lower production costs and boost export competitiveness.