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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is taking policy measures to increase the ease of doing business in a bid to boost growth, investment and employment opportunities in the South Asian country, the country's finance adviser said on Sunday.

The South Asian country of more than 241 million people is currently navigating a tricky path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program since averting a default in 2023.

Besides introducing structural reforms relating to expansion of the country's tax base and privatization of loss-making entities, the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is striving to boost foreign investment and trade.

Khurram Schehzad, an adviser to the finance minister, said the government has reduced energy costs from Rs38/unit to Rs23/unit, interest rate to 11% from an all-time high of 22% in June last year among other measures.

"The direction is clear: lowering the cost of doing business to make way for growth, investment and jobs," Schehzad said on X, adding that the tax structure has been rationalized, while the government is ensuring faster approvals and simpler procedures to increase regulatory ease for businesses.

Pakistani tax authorities have shifted their focus from salaried individuals and corporate sector to bringing people, who do not file their wealth statements, by increasing compliance and enforcement.

For the first time in 14 years, the South Asian country posted a current account surplus of $2.1 billion (0.5% of GDP) in the outgoing fiscal year 2024-25 that ended in June, marking a sharp turnaround from a $2 billion deficit in FY2023-24, driven by a 27% increase in remittances and a 16% drop in services deficit.

The government is now pursuing privatization, tax and energy sector reforms, and an accelerated digitalization drive to strengthen the economy. These measures are designed to improve fiscal stability and rebuild confidence among both investors and international lenders.

ISLAMABAD: The producers of Pakistani romantic drama movie, ‘Neelofar,’ released its first song at an exclusive screening hosted in Lahore on Sunday, they said in a statement.

The long-delayed movie, which stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in lead roles, is written and directed by Ammar Rasool and produced by Khan, Hassaan Khalid, Usaf Shariq.

The event was hosted by the film’s lead stars, Khan and Mahira, who welcomed guests from the entertainment, fashion and music industries at Lahore’s historic Sir Ganga Ram House, a reflection of the city’s timeless charm.

Actor Yasir Hussain served as the host, bringing warmth and wit to an intimate gathering filled with creativity and excitement. Sung by Vicky Haider, the night celebrated the launch of the film’s first music video, ‘Tu Meri,’ marking an emotional and memorable moment in Neelofar’s journey.

“Neelofar is a story that lives in emotions, and this song is its heartbeat,” Khan said, speaking at the event. “Tonight was about sharing that feeling with everyone who has believed in the film’s journey.”

Shooting for Neelofar was reportedly completed in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic postponed its release indefinitely. The movie is finally set for nationwide release on Nov. 28.

Tu Meri, a lyrical and emotional centerpiece of the film, captures the poetic spirit that defines Neelofar: a love story where sight is transcended by connection, and silence speaks through melody.

The film stars Khan as a writer and Mahira as Neelofar, a visually impaired yet radiant soul. It has already been hailed as one of the most touching romantic narratives to emerge from Pakistani cinema in recent years.

The event was attended by Pakistan’s leading musicians and artists, including Seemi Raheel, Zeb Bangash, Nameer Khan, HAVI, Mooroo and Ken Doll, along with several other distinguished celebrated guests who graced the occasion.

“This film is deeply personal to me. Seeing everyone respond so emotionally to the song tonight reminded me why we made Neelofar,” Mahira said.

“It’s about love in its purest, most soulful form.”

Khan and Mahira won the hearts with their performance in television serial ‘Humsafar.’ They later reunited in Bilal Lashari’s ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt,’ which shattered all box office records.

The duo is anticipated to once again create magic with their on-screen chemistry.

The cast of the movie includes, Madiha Imam, Sarwat Gilani, Atiqa Odho, Behrooz Sabzwari, Gohar Rasheed, Faisal Qureshi, Samiya Mumtaz, Rashid Farooqui, Chand Baral, Seemi Raheal, Adeel Hashmi, Hira Tareen and Navid Shahzad.