The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented its budget proposals for the fiscal year 2026-27 to Muhammad Aurangzeb during a meeting focused on economic reforms, industrial revival and export growth.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol met the federal minister for finance and revenue to discuss measures aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and improving the country’s tax structure.
Finance Minister Highlights FBR Digitisation Reforms
During the meeting, Aurangzeb informed the chamber that the digitisation process within the Federal Board of Revenue is being further strengthened through Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited.
The finance minister said the reforms are intended to minimise human interaction, facilitate taxpayers and improve the overall business environment.
He also assured the business community that consultations with chambers of commerce and industry stakeholders would continue regularly to ensure effective participation in economic policymaking.
LCCI Calls for Stable Policies and Lower Business Costs
In its proposals, the chamber called for an end to policy instability caused by frequent statutory regulatory orders (SROs) and changing tax interpretations.
The LCCI described policy unpredictability as one of the major causes of de-industrialisation in the country.
The chamber further urged the government to lower the cost of doing business, claiming that operating expenses in Pakistan are currently between 22% and 30% higher than those in competing regional economies.
Exporters Seek Predictable Tax Regime
The chamber also proposed the introduction of a sector-wise tariff structure aimed at protecting domestic industries facing significantly higher costs compared to regional competitors.
Among other recommendations, the LCCI demanded the restoration of a simple and predictable final tax regime for exporters.
It also called for the introduction of a fixed tax regime for traders as part of broader efforts to expand the national tax base.