Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 will contain measures designed to ease the burden on ordinary citizens while reinforcing the government's strategy of boosting economic growth through exports.
Speaking to a group of prominent industrialists and business leaders at the Prime Minister's House on Wednesday, he stated that increasing exports remains a key focus of the country's economic agenda.
PM Shehbaz also noted that efforts are continuing to bring undocumented sectors into the formal tax system in order to broaden the tax base.
Welcoming the participants, the prime minister described Pakistan's business community as representatives of the country's image across the globe.
He thanked them for standing by the government during difficult economic circumstances and emphasized that strong cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential for sustained economic progress.
PM Shehbaz stressed that consultation with business stakeholders plays a vital role in shaping economic policies. The meeting was part of the government's ongoing engagement with the private sector ahead of the upcoming federal budget and wider efforts to accelerate economic activity across the country.
The delegation included several leading figures from Pakistan's corporate sector, among them Mian Muhammad Mansha, Arif Habib, Atif Bajwa, Muhammad Ali Tabba, Musaddiq Zulqarnain, Ziaad Bashir, Shahzad Saleem, Zeelaaf Munir, Umar Saeed, Umar Mansha, Yousaf Saeed, Kamran Arshad, Khurram Mukhtar, Asif Peer, Sultan Gohar Ejaz, Fawad Anwar, Zulfiqar Hayat, Javed Iqbal, Yousaf Hussain, Amir Ibrahim, Khawaja Masood Akhtar and Ijaz Nabi.
The prime minister said that investor confidence has improved as a result of business-friendly measures adopted by the government, contributing to economic stability.
He added that the administration is encouraging industries capable of increasing domestic production, generating exports and creating jobs. According to him, further growth in the industrial, agricultural and information technology sectors will strengthen the economy and open new employment opportunities.
He also highlighted vocational and technical training initiatives aimed at equipping young Pakistanis with marketable skills so they can contribute more effectively to national development.
During the meeting, business leaders received a detailed briefing on steps being taken to support trade, industry and investment. They were informed that reforms have been introduced in tax tribunals to ensure quicker settlement of tax disputes, with appointments made through a transparent process.
Participants were also told that a committee has been formed to work on the establishment of Special Commercial Courts. In addition, progress is being made on the upgradation of the M-10 Motorway and the Pipri Freight Corridor to improve transport links between Karachi's ports and inland areas.
The delegation was informed that the construction of the M-13 Motorway connecting Kharian and Rawalpindi will significantly reduce travel time between Lahore and Islamabad. Similarly, upgrades to Pakistan Railways' ML-1 and ML-2 tracks are expected to improve freight movement and strengthen the country's transport infrastructure.
Officials further briefed the gathering on plans to introduce a National AI Transformation Plan. They also shared that the installation of video analytics systems in the sugar and cement industries has enhanced monitoring of production activities, resulting in improved revenue collection.
Members of the delegation praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining peace in the region and commended the prime minister and his team for their work.
They expressed confidence in the government's economic recovery strategy and acknowledged improvements in fiscal management.
Business leaders welcomed initiatives promoting digital transactions and the documentation of the economy. They also appreciated tax reforms and measures introduced to make doing business easier in Pakistan.
The delegation thanked the government for reducing electricity costs for industries, abolishing the Export Development Levy and ensuring timely tax refund payments. They also appreciated being consulted during the budget preparation process and presented their own proposals for strengthening the economy and supporting future growth.
The business leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the government to support economic recovery, increase exports, promote industrial expansion and create employment opportunities.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members and senior officials, including Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad and other senior officials.
Speaking after the meeting, Jazz World Chief Executive Officer Amir Ibrahim said the prime minister had assured participants that Rs300 billion would be allocated to support the development of Pakistan's artificial intelligence sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Cement said the government was keen to expand the country's exports and was also considering tax relief measures for businesses.
Pakistan Business Council Chairperson Zeelaaf Munir emphasized the importance of achieving stronger economic growth and said increasing export volumes remains an urgent national priority.