Islamabad, May 9, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing meaningful relief to the masses in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the budget preparations, Shehbaz emphasized that addressing the financial struggles of the low income and middle-income groups would be the government’s topmost priority.
He directed officials to ensure that the budget prioritizes sustainable, export-led economic growth while expanding job opportunities, especially in key sectors such as agriculture, housing, information technology, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Shehbaz highlighted that the upcoming budget should lay the foundation for increased industrial production and support initiatives that foster economic self-reliance.
The prime minister underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector, calling it vital for driving national development. He said public-private partnerships, youth skill development, and vocational training must be integral parts of the budget strategy.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing power sector reforms. Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that a reduction in electricity costs for industries was already beginning to yield positive results, boosting both productivity and investor confidence. He reiterated the government’s goal to streamline bureaucratic processes through automation and digitization, making it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to do business in Pakistan.
Additionally, Shehbaz announced that the process of rightsizing federal departments would continue in the next fiscal year to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
Officials informed the premier that consultations with the private sector had been underway for over three months to ensure inclusive budget planning. Sector-specific consultative sessions have been held to gather actionable proposals, many of which are now being evaluated for incorporation.
The meeting also discussed the soon-to-be-finalized five-year Trade Policy Framework 2025–30 and the updated E-Commerce 2.0 Framework. A comprehensive tariff rationalization plan is also in the pipeline.
Prominent businessmen and economic experts attending the meeting expressed their confidence in the government’s economic direction. They presented various proposals, which Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed, instructing that viable suggestions be integrated into the budget.