Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27 will include measures aimed at providing relief to the public while strengthening an export-led growth strategy.
He made these remarks during a meeting with leading industrialists and business figures at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, where consultations were held ahead of the new budget cycle.
The prime minister said the government’s main economic focus is export-led growth, which remains a central pillar of national policy. He also stressed the need to bring parts of the informal economy into the tax system to broaden the revenue base.
Welcoming the business community, Shehbaz Sharif said they play an important role in representing Pakistan globally. He thanked them for supporting the government during challenging economic conditions and said cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential for economic stability.
He added that consultations with the business community are crucial for effective policymaking, especially in shaping the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27.
The meeting included prominent business leaders and industrialists who discussed economic challenges and reform priorities. The government briefed the delegation on ongoing initiatives to support trade, industry, and investment.
Officials shared updates on tax reforms, including improvements in tax tribunals aimed at speeding up case resolution. A committee has also been formed to establish Special Commercial Courts.
The government also highlighted infrastructure projects, including upgrades to major motorways and freight corridors to improve connectivity between ports and inland regions. Rail upgrades under ML-1 and ML-2 were also discussed to strengthen cargo movement and logistics.
A National AI Transformation Plan is also in development, along with new monitoring systems in key industries to improve revenue collection and production tracking.
Business leaders welcomed the government’s economic direction and praised reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business, expanding digital payments, and building a more documented economy. They also appreciated reductions in electricity tariffs for industry and efforts to clear tax refunds on time.
The delegation expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic recovery and supported the government’s consultative approach for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27. They also submitted recommendations for further improving exports and industrial growth.
At the end of the meeting, business leaders reiterated their commitment to working with the government for economic stability, export expansion, and job creation across key sectors.
