IBA releases ‘The State of Pakistan’s Economy 2026‑27: Stagnation to Sustainability’
The IBA Centre for Business and Economic Research published its flagship annual report outlining Pakistan’s macro‑economic challenges and pathways to sustainable growth.
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Broad economic outlook report with mixed implications; investors should watch for policy signals.
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Sectors: Economy, Markets — Neutral · Watch. PSX tickers: UBL. Broad economic outlook report with mixed implications; investors should watch for policy signals.
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Open on Business Recorder## Launch of the flagship report
The IBA Centre for Business and Economic Research (CBER) unveiled its annual publication, The State of Pakistan’s Economy 2026‑27: Stagnation to Sustainability, at the university’s main campus in Karachi. The event gathered policymakers, academics, business leaders, development practitioners and students to discuss the country’s economic trajectory.
## Key contributors and viewpoints
The report was reviewed by a panel that included Zafar Masud, President & CEO of Bank of Punjab, and Nadia Seth, CEO of the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). Both highlighted the need for macro‑economic stability to translate into higher living standards, job creation, stronger human capital and poverty reduction.
- Zafar Masud emphasized the importance of effective policy implementation, innovative financing, public‑private partnerships and productivity‑driven growth. - Nadia Seth called for modernising SMEs, increasing formalisation and improving access to finance, while stressing the need for reliable enterprise data to support evidence‑based policymaking.
## Outlook and implications
The launch concluded with a consensus that economic stability must be turned into sustainable, inclusive and productivity‑led growth. The report aims to enrich policy dialogue by combining research, data and perspectives from academia, industry and the public sector.
## Why it matters for investors
While the publication does not target any specific sector, its assessment of macro‑economic conditions—such as inflation trends, fiscal balance and growth prospects—will shape investor sentiment across the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Market participants are advised to monitor the report’s recommendations for clues on future policy direction.