ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 would focus on providing relief to citizens while advancing Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy.
Addressing leading industrialists and business leaders at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier said export-driven growth remained the cornerstone of the government’s economic policy. He added that authorities were also taking steps to bring the informal economy into the tax net and strengthen fiscal management.
Welcoming the business community, Shehbaz Sharif described entrepreneurs as Pakistan’s ambassadors who represent the country globally. He thanked them for supporting the government during challenging economic conditions and stressed that close cooperation between the public and private sectors was essential for sustainable economic growth.
The prime minister emphasized that consultation with business leaders played a vital role in shaping economic policies. The meeting formed part of the government’s ongoing consultations on the upcoming budget and broader efforts to accelerate economic development.
He said business-friendly policies had helped stabilize the economy and restore investor confidence. Furthermore, he highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding domestic production, increasing exports, and creating employment opportunities. According to the premier, progress in industry, agriculture, and information technology would further strengthen the economy and generate jobs.
Shehbaz Sharif also noted that technical and vocational training programs had been launched to equip young people with marketable skills and improve their contribution to national development.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on reforms designed to promote business activity. These included improvements in tax tribunals for quicker resolution of tax disputes, plans for Special Commercial Courts, and major infrastructure projects such as the M-10 and M-13 motorways and upgrades to Pakistan Railways’ ML-1 and ML-2 lines.
The delegation was also informed about the development of a National AI Transformation Plan and digital monitoring systems that have improved revenue collection in key industries. Business leaders praised the government’s economic policies, welcomed tax reforms, and expressed confidence in the country’s recovery and investment climate.
