Karachi, April 16, 2025 – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Wednesday presented a comprehensive set of proposals for the upcoming federal budget 2025–26, calling it a decisive opportunity to shape the nation’s economic trajectory.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that the forthcoming budget comes at a crucial juncture, as Pakistan seeks to transition from economic stabilization to sustained growth. “This is not just another fiscal plan—this budget will serve as a roadmap for Pakistan’s economic future,” he remarked.
Among the key recommendations, Atif Ikram stressed the importance of permanently reducing electricity prices to provide relief to industries and consumers alike. He warned that the mounting circular debt poses a major challenge and needs urgent resolution through structural reforms.
Highlighting energy sustainability, he urged that the national solar policy be aligned with both public and private sector interests to ensure affordability and accessibility. In addition, the FPCCI president proposed that interest payments on external and domestic loans be temporarily frozen to ease fiscal pressure, urging that long-term debt management be integrated into the budget.
Atif Ikram also highlighted the critical role of investment, stating that domestic and international investment is the lifeline of Pakistan’s economic revival. He stressed the importance of efficient implementation of policies through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and called for supporting measures in the upcoming budget to attract and retain capital.
To strengthen economic fundamentals, FPCCI urged the government to broaden the tax base, formalize the informal economy, and enhance domestic production through industrial support. A special focus was placed on SME development, with the FPCCI calling for a dedicated package in the budget to empower small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of employment and innovation.
On privatization, the FPCCI expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of reforms and called for urgent action regarding state-owned enterprises such as PIA, Pakistan Steel Mills, and DISCOs.
The FPCCI also advocated for greater support for the agricultural sector, investment in water storage infrastructure, and a targeted package to revitalize the housing and construction industry—key sectors for employment generation and economic stability.