Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Group of 24 (G-24), a coalition of developing nations, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb pledging to strengthen the collective voice of emerging economies and promote a fairer, more inclusive global financial system. He described the role as a significant responsibility and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to improving international cooperation, strengthening multilateral institutions and addressing challenges such as climate change, development financing gaps and global economic inequalities.
During its tenure, Pakistan will focus on three key priorities: placing development at the centre of global economic policymaking, strengthening multilateral frameworks and promoting a more development-oriented international financial system. Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of macroeconomic stability, affordable development financing, sustainable debt solutions, climate resilience and greater participation of developing countries in global financial decision-making.
He also highlighted the potential of emerging economies to drive investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth, stressing that developing nations must have a stronger role in shaping the global economic agenda. Pakistan will work closely with G-24 members, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and other international partners to turn shared priorities into practical outcomes.
President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed Pakistan’s appointment, describing it as an important opportunity to represent developing countries in global economic affairs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also termed the development a significant diplomatic milestone, expressing confidence that Pakistan’s leadership would help advocate reforms in the international financial system, secure fairer climate financing and promote sustainable development opportunities for emerging economies.
