By Staff Reporter :
Quetta: (PR) Syed Aman Shah, Provincial Convener of the Awaam Pakistan Party (Balochistan), has criticized the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to maintain the policy interest rate at 11.0 percent, calling it harmful to Pakistan’s economic growth. He emphasized that high interest rates are pushing already vulnerable regions like Balochistan deeper into socio-economic crises by adversely affecting industrial, agricultural, and business sectors.
With inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) lowered to 3.20 percent, Syed Aman Shah argued there is no valid reason to keep the policy rate elevated at 11 percent. This high rate raises business costs, limits access to financing, and discourages private sector investment nationwide.
The Awaam Pakistan Party demands an immediate cut of at least 600 basis points to revitalize investment, reduce business expenses, and boost exports. Highlighting the plight of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Balochistan, Shah pointed out that these businesses are already suffering from poor financing options and inadequate infrastructure. Continued high interest rates will exacerbate their difficulties and stifle job creation.
Syed Aman Shah called on both the federal government and the State Bank of Pakistan to urgently revisit monetary policy decisions in line with current economic realities. Such action is critical to ensuring inclusive development and sustainable economic prosperity, particularly for underserved areas like Balochistan.
