Business leaders urge growth-focused reforms as government finalizes budget proposals for FY2026-27
Pakistan’s leading business leaders and industrialists met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday to discuss priorities and proposals for the federal budget FY2026-27, focusing on economic growth, exports, investment promotion and tax reforms.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s House, brought together some of the country’s most prominent corporate figures, including Mian Muhammad Mansha, Arif Habib, Atif Bajwa, Muhammad Ali Tabba, Musaddiq Zulqarnain, Zeelaf Munir, Amir Ibrahim, Sultan Ali Allana and Gohar Ejaz, along with other representatives of the private sector.
Addressing the delegation, Shehbaz Sharif said the government’s economic strategy remained focused on export-led growth, industrial development and sustainable economic expansion.
He said the upcoming budget would include measures aimed at providing relief to the public while supporting productive sectors of the economy and encouraging investment.
The prime minister also highlighted efforts to document the economy and expand the tax base by bringing informal economic activity into the tax net. He stressed the importance of close collaboration between the government and the private sector in shaping economic policies.
Describing the business community as ambassadors of Pakistan’s economy, Sharif acknowledged its role in supporting economic stability during challenging periods.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on a range of government initiatives, including reforms in tax tribunals, plans for establishing Special Commercial Courts and infrastructure projects such as the M-10 and M-13 motorways.
The delegation was also informed about planned upgrades to Pakistan Railways’ ML-1 and ML-2 lines, a National AI Transformation Plan and efforts to enhance revenue collection through digital monitoring and automation systems.
Business leaders welcomed the government’s economic reform agenda and appreciated recent measures aimed at improving the business environment. Participants highlighted reductions in industrial electricity tariffs, the abolition of the Export Development Levy and improvements in the processing of tax refunds.
The delegation reiterated its commitment to supporting the government’s objectives of economic recovery, export growth, industrial expansion and employment generation while presenting recommendations for incorporation into the FY2026-27 budget.
The meeting comes as the government prepares to unveil the federal budget amid expectations of policy measures aimed at accelerating growth, attracting investment and strengthening fiscal stability.
