In response to the 29% tariff imposed by the United States on Pakistani products, the federal government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting national trade interests and minimizing the economic impact.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level steering committee and a specialized working group to address the issue through diplomatic and economic channels. 

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Finance minister to lead committee

According to an official notification, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has been appointed as the convener of a 12-member steering committee that will oversee the entire process, including the negotiations with US authorities.

The committee includes key government figures such as:

• Federal ministers for commerce and petroleum

• Prime minister's special assistant on industry

• Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)

• Foreign secretary

• Pakistan’s ambassador to the US

• Pakistan’s representatives at the World Trade Organization (WTO)

• Dr. Ijaz Nabi, noted economist

• Trade and investment minister in Washington

• Trade secretary

The prime minister will be regularly briefed on progress made by the committee.

Working group tasked with data, strategy, opportunities

Alongside the steering committee, a 19-member working group has been established to provide technical expertise and in-depth analysis. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul will serve as the convener of this group, which comprises relevant federal secretaries and prominent business leaders from the private sector. 

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The terms of reference issued for the working group outline the following key responsibilities:

• Analyze the scope and potential impact of the 29% US tariffs on Pakistani goods

• Formulate short- and long-term policy recommendations

• Assess alternative trade opportunities emerging due to shifting global market conditions

• Provide a real-time data-driven assessment of affected export sectors

Coordinated effort

Officials say the initiative is designed not only to minimize economic losses but also to strengthen Pakistan’s trade diplomacy. The working group will serve as the research and analysis arm of the steering committee, which will in turn formulate and guide Pakistan's policy and negotiation stance.

“This is a multi-pronged effort that brings together top officials, trade experts, and diplomats to protect Pakistan’s trade interests in a volatile global environment,” said a senior Commerce Ministry official.