The Pakistani civilian government is closing in on its one-year mark in office. The government, known for its business and economy-friendly outlook, continues to deal with tough economic, development and energy challenges that have hindered fast-paced recovery. While economic growth forecasts project improvement, a number of key reforms in the tax structures, privatization, civil service and the like remain elusive. In terms of regional partnerships, a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan economic relations could prove to be a game-changer in Pakistani economic fortunes for regional partnerships in the near future.

The Pakistani Rupee has seen unprecedented appreciation in recent weeks, ostensibly as a result of monetary support from the Gulf. This has raised fresh questions on the outlook of the Pakistani government towards international assistance and how it views such support from external patrons versus the urgency of undertaking much-needed domestic structural reforms.