RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has recommended the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to announce a significant cut in the policy rate, by at least 3per cent, in its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for Monday, September 15.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat stressed that Pakistan’s economy urgently requires a more competitive interest rate regime to revive industrial activity, attract investment, and enhance regional competitiveness.

“Aligning Pakistan’s interest rates with those of neighbouring economies is vital to reduce the cost of doing business, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are disproportionately impacted by high financing costs,” he said.

Mr Shaukat further noted that during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s recent visit to the Chamber House, the minister also signalled the possibility of a policy rate reduction later this year, citing easing inflation and stable economic indicators as grounds for monetary easing.

“The time for action is now. A meaningful reduction in the policy rate would provide much-needed relief to businesses, restore investor confidence, and create a more competitive environment for industry and exports,” he added.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2025