Pakistan’s FDI Surges 27.2% to $4.02B in FY25

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan surged by 27.2% in FY2025, climbing from $3.17 billion to $4.02 billion, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb informed the National Assembly in a written response.

The minister noted that FDI had already risen by 23.3% in FY2024, from $2.57 billion to $3.17 billion, marking two consecutive years of robust growth. He highlighted that Rs30.22 billion in refunds for 293,232 exporters remain pending, currently under processing by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

For the first two months of FY2025–26 (July–August), Rs10.88 billion in refunds are pending for 94,379 exporters.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, addressing supplementary questions, reaffirmed the 27.2% FDI increase and highlighted a record surge in remittances in recent months. He added that a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency operations has been established, with the creation of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and the Pakistan Crypto Council to oversee the sector.

Minister of State for Planning Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani stated that multiple projects have been launched to alleviate poverty and enhance living standards in underdeveloped regions, including a Rs40 billion programme targeting the 20 poorest districts in Pakistan.

Parliamentary Secretary for Privatization Aasia Ishaque disclosed that the pre-bidding process for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been completed, with bidding expected by the end of November. She further noted that bids for the First Woman Bank have been received, with the sale agreement set for October 17, while the House Building Finance Corporation deal is anticipated by December.