Pakistan Moving from Crisis to Economic Momentum as Fundamentals Stabilise: Yousaf Gandapur

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has entered a phase of economic momentum after years of instability, with improving macroeconomic indicators and renewed investor confidence laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, Yousaf Gandapur, Country Director of Meinhardt Pakistan and CEO of MGI Capital said. In an interview, Gandapur said the country’s shift from crisis to recovery is underpinned by falling inflation, a record current account surplus, and greater fiscal discipline.
Reflecting on the close of 2025, Gandapur said Pakistan is now witnessing the “fruits of resilience,” as inflation has dropped to the 5–6 percent range and macroeconomic stability has begun to take hold. He noted that from the perspective of MGI Capital, investor confidence is gradually returning because key fundamentals, including exchange rate stability and fiscal discipline, are finally in place.
He said Pakistan is positioning itself for sustainable growth and described the government’s ambition under the Uraan Pakistan framework to achieve around 6 percent GDP growth by 2028 as ambitious but realistic, provided reform continuity is maintained.
Discussing the future of infrastructure and development, Gandapur said the focus is shifting from sheer scale to tangible impact on everyday lives. For the average Pakistani, he said, development means safer roads, reliable utilities, well-planned housing, and public spaces that genuinely improve quality of life.
He explained that development will increasingly centre on connectivity, affordability, and resilience, with cities that function better, infrastructure that lasts longer, and services that are accessible to more people. From Meinhardt’s perspective, he said, the evolution is moving away from isolated mega projects towards integrated, people-centred solutions where infrastructure supports economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and long-term urban resilience.
On Pakistan’s efforts to compete on the global stage, Gandapur said the country is strengthening its fundamentals and aligning development with international standards. He said improved fiscal discipline, macroeconomic stability, and policy alignment have enhanced Pakistan’s credibility, while investments in infrastructure, urban development, and sustainability are bolstering long-term competitiveness.
He added that Meinhardt’s role lies in bridging global expertise with local delivery by applying international best practices in planning, engineering, building information modelling (BIM), and sustainable design. This, he said, helps ensure that projects in Pakistan are not only locally relevant but also globally benchmarked, allowing the country to position itself more confidently internationally.
Sharing insights from his more than two decades in finance and leadership, Gandapur said his approach is driven by balancing financial discipline with people development. He emphasised that while strong financial results are essential, they are ultimately delivered by motivated, capable, and aligned teams.
He said his focus has consistently been on building systems, organisational cultures, and leadership structures where people understand the purpose behind financial targets. According to him, when financial clarity is combined with trust, transparency, and investment in people, performance becomes more consistent and sustainable.
In a message to Pakistan’s youth, Gandapur urged them to dream big, work hard, and lead with integrity and empathy. He said the ideas, passion, and resilience of young people will be critical in shaping the country’s future.