Finance minister says policy consistency, tax reforms and export-led growth remain central to Pakistan’s economic strategy during meeting with Pakistan Business Council.
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has initiated consultations for the next federal budget by engaging with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), reaffirming the government’s commitment to structural reforms, policy stability and export-led economic growth.
During his visit to Karachi, the finance minister met members of the Pakistan Business Council to discuss Pakistan’s economic outlook, the government’s reform agenda and key economic priorities.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Aurangzeb praised the Pakistan Business Council for bringing together leading representatives of the country’s business community on a single platform. He acknowledged the Council’s continued contribution in facilitating constructive dialogue between the government and the private sector on critical economic and policy matters.
The finance minister observed that the global economy had shown greater resilience than expected, adding that countries committed to structural reforms had been better positioned to maintain macroeconomic stability and sustain long-term growth.
He stressed that Pakistan must remain focused on its reform agenda to strengthen economic fundamentals, improve competitiveness and create the conditions necessary for sustainable growth.
Early start to Budget 2027 planning
Senator Aurangzeb said the meeting marked the beginning of consultations for the next federal budget rather than a review of the recently announced Budget 2026–27. He noted that the government had started the budget preparation process much earlier this year to ensure a more structured, transparent and consultative fiscal planning process.
He added that the Federal Budget 2026–27 had introduced significant taxation and financing measures designed to strengthen exports, improve exporters’ access to finance and reinforce the government’s commitment to an export-led growth strategy.
Focus on tax policy stability
Highlighting the importance of policy predictability, the finance minister reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing a Medium-Term Tax Strategy aimed at creating a stable and consistent taxation framework.
He said predictable tax policies are essential for strengthening business confidence, attracting domestic and foreign investment, and enabling businesses to undertake long-term planning with greater certainty.
During the meeting, representatives of the Pakistan Business Council outlined the organisation’s role as a broad-based national business advocacy platform and emphasised the need for continued engagement between the government and exporters from various sectors to accelerate export-led growth.
Concluding the discussions, Senator Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s resolve to advance structural reforms, maintain policy consistency and create a business-friendly environment that supports investment, enhances competitiveness and delivers sustainable economic growth.