Shehbaz Promises Public Relief And Export Growth Measures In Budget 2026-27
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the upcoming federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 will include measures aimed at providing relief to the public while accelerating the government’s export-led growth strategy.
Addressing a meeting of leading industrialists and business leaders at the Prime Minister House on Wednesday, the premier described export-led growth as the central pillar of the government’s economic policy and said efforts were underway to strengthen Pakistan’s economy through increased production, exports and investment.
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The meeting was held as part of the government’s consultations with the business community ahead of the federal budget, which is scheduled to be presented on June 10.
Welcoming the delegation, Shehbaz Sharif described the business community as Pakistan’s ambassadors around the world and thanked them for supporting the government during challenging economic conditions. He stressed that a strong partnership between the government and the private sector was essential for sustainable economic growth.
The prime minister said the government was taking steps to bring the informal economy into the tax net and emphasized that consultations with the business community were vital for effective economic policymaking.
He said business-friendly policies had helped stabilize the economy and restore confidence among both local and foreign investors. According to the prime minister, the government is focusing on promoting industries that increase domestic production, expand exports and create employment opportunities.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the importance of agriculture, industry and information technology in strengthening the economy and generating jobs. He added that technical and vocational training programmes had been launched to equip young people with skills needed for employment and economic participation.
During the meeting, business leaders were briefed on several government initiatives designed to improve the investment climate and facilitate economic activity. Officials informed the delegation that reforms had been introduced in tax tribunals to ensure the speedy resolution of tax disputes, while appointments to the tribunals had been made through a transparent process.
The delegation was also told that work was underway on establishing special commercial courts to improve the business environment. Infrastructure projects, including the upgradation of the M-10 Motorway and the Pipri Freight Corridor, were highlighted as part of efforts to strengthen connectivity between Karachi’s ports and inland regions.
Officials further informed participants that the M-13 Motorway linking Kharian and Rawalpindi would reduce travel time between Lahore and Islamabad, while upgrades to Pakistan Railways’ ML-1 and ML-2 lines would improve freight transportation and commercial logistics.
The government also shared details of its digital transformation initiatives, including the development of a National AI Transformation Plan. Participants were informed that video analytics systems introduced in the sugar and cement sectors had improved revenue collection by enhancing production monitoring.
Following the meeting, Jazz World Chief Executive Officer Amir Ibrahim said the prime minister had assured support of Rs300 billion for the development of Pakistan’s artificial intelligence industry. Business leaders also said the government was considering tax relief measures and policies aimed at boosting exports.
The delegation praised the government’s economic management, tax reforms and efforts to improve the ease of doing business. They welcomed measures such as reduced electricity tariffs for industry, the abolition of the Export Development Levy and timely tax refund payments.
Business representatives also appreciated the government’s decision to consult stakeholders during the budget preparation process and submitted recommendations for economic growth, exports and investment promotion.
Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council Zeelaf Munir emphasized the need to accelerate economic growth and expand exports, saying higher export volumes were essential for the country’s long-term economic stability.
The meeting was attended by prominent business leaders including Mian Muhammad Mansha, Arif Habib, Atif Bajwa, Muhammad Ali Tabba, Musaddiq Zulqarnain, Ziaad Bashir, Shahzad Saleem, Zeelaaf Munir, Umar Saeed, Umar Mansha, Yousaf Saeed, Kamran Arshad, Khurram Mukhtar, Asif Peer, Sultan Ali Allana, Gohar Ejaz, Fawad Anwar, Zulfiqar Hayat, Javed Iqbal, Yousaf Hussain, Amir Ibrahim, Khawaja Masood Akhtar and Ijaz Nabi, along with federal ministers, the State Bank governor and senior government officials.
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