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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for all sectors to fulfill their tax obligations, days after the IMF concluded an unscheduled visit to Pakistan for discussions on economic policy and reform efforts.

The IMF’s visit last week was widely reported to have been prompted by, among other factors, a shortfall of nearly Rs190 billion ($685 million) in revenue collection during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The period also saw an external financing gap of $2.5 billion, while Pakistan failed in its bid to sell its national airline, a major setback on the path to privatizing loss-making state-owned enterprises, required by the IMF.

The government wants to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 13 percent over the next three years. The ratio stood at 9 percent during 2023-24, according to the Federal Board of Revenue, the country’s main tax collection body. 

“Economic development is only possible when everyone fulfills their share of responsibility,” Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office after he chaired a meeting of his cabinet to review economic policies. “All sectors must pay taxes to contribute to national progress.”

Pakistan’s economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, including high inflation and fiscal deficits. In May last year, the CPI inflation rate hit a record high of 38 percent but has seen a downward trajectory in recent months, moving to 7.2 percent year-on-year in October.

Pakistan has struggled for decades with boom-and-bust economic cycles, prompting 23 IMF bailouts since 1958.

After wrapping up the visit last week, the IMF had said it was encouraged by Islamabad’s reaffirmed commitment to the economic reforms under the Extended Fund Facility its board had approved in September to reduce vulnerabilities. 

The external financing gap and failure to sell PIA has prompted fears that Pakistan might need to impose new taxes to bridge the shortfall. But Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has repeatedly said the shortfall will be met only with enforcement to get people to pay their taxes, implying there would not be any new revenue measures.

RIYADH: Arab stock markets saw a 2.14 percent growth in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong performances in Beirut, Egypt, and Damascus, according to the Arab Monetary Fund’s composite index. 

The AMF’s quarterly report highlighted annual growth of 1.5 percent in the index, reflecting gains in 13 of the 16 tracked markets, while three recorded declines. 

Regional reforms, such as Egypt’s privatization initiatives and ��������Ƶ’s Vision 2030 projects, played a significant role in bolstering market activity. 

The UAE’s diversification efforts also contributed to the strength of its financial markets, particularly in renewable energy and technology sectors.  

The AMF said: “The positive sentiment in Arab financial markets reflects investor confidence in ongoing economic reforms and robust corporate performances.” 

Top performers

The Beirut Stock Exchange led the gains with a 29.03 percent rise, marking the highest performance among Arab exchanges despite ongoing Israeli attacks on various Lebanese regions, including the capital.

According to the World Bank, the violence in the country has caused $8.5 billion in damages and losses, including $3.4 billion in physical damages and $5.1 billion in economic losses.

BSE was followed by the Egyptian Exchange, which increased by 13.76 percent, and the Damascus Securities Exchange, with a 12.66 percent rise. 

In the UAE, Dubai Financial Market recorded an 11.75 percent gain, reflecting strong investor activity. 

Other markets also posted significant performances. The Casablanca Stock Exchange grew by 8.06 percent, while stock markets in Qatar and Iraq posted increases of 6.52 percent and 5.35 percent, respectively. 

The Saudi Exchange, known as Tadawul, saw healthy growth of 4.68 percent, underpinned by gains in non-oil sectors aligned with Vision 2030 objectives. Algeria and Oman reported smaller but steady increases of 4.9 percent and 0.49 percent, respectively. 

Despite the positive trend in most markets, three exchanges reported declines, with Bahrain’s stock market falling by 0.63 percent, Amman’s by 0.82 percent, while Palestine’s saw the steepest drop at 7.78 percent.  

Market capitalization  

The combined market capitalization of Arab financial markets grew by 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2024, reaching $4.30 trillion, up from $4.19 trillion in the previous three-month period. This represented an increase of $106.55 billion. 

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange contributed the most to this growth, adding $37.30 billion, followed by Dubai Financial Market with a $21.35 billion rise. Other notable increases came from ��������Ƶ, Qatar, and Morocco.  

In terms of individual exchanges, the Saudi Exchange retained its position as the largest contributor, representing 62.7 percent of the total Arab market capitalization. 

The UAE’s markets, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, collectively accounted for 18.6 percent, while Qatar, Kuwait, and Morocco contributed notable shares. The rest of the Arab markets showed varying levels of growth, with Beirut and Cairo posting sharp rises in market value.  

Trading volumes  

The value of traded shares across Arab markets soared by 47.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, reaching $328.92 billion compared to $223.06 billion in the previous three-month period. 

The Iraq Stock Exchange reported the highest surge in trading volumes, increasing by 67 percent. The Egyptian Exchange followed with a 51.50 percent rise, while the Saudi Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange also saw substantial gains of 25.73 percent and 21.01 percent, respectively.  

Some markets experienced a downturn in trading activity. Palestine, Algeria, and Casablanca saw declines in traded volumes, attributed to specific local economic factors.  

Across the Arab region, key sectors such as real estate, technology, and financial services performed strongly, attracting both local and foreign investments. 

The financial results of listed companies and the announcement of quarterly dividends boosted investor confidence. 

Key factors  

Despite global economic uncertainties — ranging from fluctuating oil prices to geopolitical tensions — Arab markets demonstrated resilience. The AMF noted that the easing of monetary policies by major central banks, such as the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, helped boost global liquidity flows into emerging markets, including the Arab region.

Oil price volatility played a role in shaping market performance in Q3. While oil-exporting countries like ��������Ƶ and the UAE experienced steady market performance, oil-importing nations such as Egypt and Jordan benefited from reduced energy costs, helping to ease inflationary pressures and stabilize their economies.

Global view

Arab stock markets’ 2.14 percent growth in the third quarter of 2024, with a total market capitalization surpassing $4.3 trillion, is relatively a great performance, especially when compared to other global equity markets. 

For instance, the S&P 500 Index rose by 5.9 percent, while the Russell 2000 Index gained 9.3 percent, according to the investment consulting firm NEPC.

Internationally, emerging markets outpaced the Arab region, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rising by 8.7 percent and the MSCI China Index soaring by 23.5 percent. 

However, the Arab markets’ performance is notable for its resilience, especially amid geopolitical tensions and fluctuating oil prices, reflecting the ongoing impact of structural reforms and regional initiatives like ��������Ƶ’s Vision 2030 and Egypt’s privatization efforts.

Outlook  

The AMF emphasized the role of continued economic reforms and diversification in shaping the outlook for Arab financial markets. 

“The ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment, improve market transparency, and support non-oil sectors are crucial for sustaining growth and enhancing the competitiveness of Arab financial markets,” AMF said.