On February 16, 2026, a high-level policy dialogue hosted by the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the American Business Forum (ABF) in Islamabad highlighted the fragility of Pakistan's economic stabilization efforts. Keynote speaker Professor Stefan Dercon warned that if the economy grows beyond 4% without necessary structural reforms, another IMF programme will be required. Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, emphasized the need for policy coherence and a reduced government footprint to unlock private sector growth. In a related development, Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that digitalization and industrialization are crucial for achieving economic growth, asserting that the government cannot provide employment for the entire population of 250 million and that the private sector must lead in creating job opportunities. He noted, "The private sector would have to come forward and the government would provide all resources and facilities according to its capacity." Aurangzeb also mentioned upcoming relief for the construction sector and the importance of an export-led policy, reinforcing the need for collaboration between government and business to navigate economic challenges effectively.