Islamabad, January 30, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday unveiled a comprehensive relief package aimed at boosting Pakistan’s industrial and export sectors. The measures include a significant reduction in electricity tariffs by Rs 4.04 per unit for industries, lowering of wheeling charges to under Rs 9, and a substantial cut in the export refinance scheme rate from 7.5% to 4.5%. Additionally, top exporters will be granted “blue passports” for two years to facilitate export-led growth.
Addressing the award ceremony for the top exporters of 2024–25, PM Shehbaz stated that the government had allocated Rs 1,052 billion for the export refinance scheme, of which Rs 900 billion has already been utilized. Exporters currently enjoy a 3% relief on the State Bank of Pakistan’s policy rate, now further reduced to 4.5%.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s long-term economic stability depends on export-led growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) in export-oriented projects. “Stabilization alone is not enough. Sustainable, competitive, and export-driven growth is the only solution for Pakistan’s economic future,” he said. Future FDI will focus exclusively on export-led projects to generate foreign exchange and strengthen reserves.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged the resilience of exporters, calling them the backbone of the economy. He highlighted achievements in economic stabilization, including single-digit inflation, a policy rate of 10.5%, and doubled foreign exchange reserves, thanks in part to support from friendly countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
He urged the business community to increase investment and encouraged banks to boost lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to diversify the economy. Stressing tax compliance, the prime minister credited actions against sugar mills and petroleum smuggling for generating billions in additional revenue.
On the digital front, PM Shehbaz set an ambitious target to raise IT exports from $3 billion to $30 billion within five years, praising IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja for her initiatives. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan also lauded the government’s efforts in restoring economic stability and international confidence.
The ceremony concluded with awards presented to the top 30 exporters and leading bankers for their contributions during the fiscal year 2024–25, reflecting the government’s commitment to recognizing and incentivizing export-led growth.