Govt puts exports, productivity at heart of budget planning

April 18, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and consultative economic policymaking ahead of the upcoming federal budget expected in June, with the government actively seeking feedback from exporters, traders, and industry representatives to incorporate into budget formulation as part of a "whole-of-economy" approach to policymaking.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani held an extensive interactive session with members of the business community, exporters, and media at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he outlined the government's economic priorities and listened to proposals for the Finance Bill 2026–2027, according to a press release issued.

The Minister noted that since February 2024, Pakistan has witnessed measurable macroeconomic stabilisation, with improvements in inflation control, tax collection performance, and external account stability, adding that two major IMF review levels have been cleared, contributing to improved foreign exchange reserves and overall economic confidence.

He acknowledged past structural challenges, particularly cyclical boom-and-bust patterns driven by import-led growth without sufficient export expansion, stressing that breaking this cycle remains a top priority.

He emphasised that sustainable economic expansion must be driven by exports, productivity, and industrial competitiveness.

The Minister informed participants that the Prime Minister has constituted nine working groups comprising experts and stakeholders from different sectors to develop targeted policy recommendations and address structural bottlenecks across key sectors of the economy.

On energy pricing, the Minister explained that petroleum prices are reviewed in line with global oil market trends, noting that the government has ensured reductions are passed on to consumers when international prices decline, while also absorbing part of the burden through fiscal adjustments and targeted subsidies for vulnerable segments.

Concluding the session, the Minister assured exporters that their proposals would be given full consideration in the budget formulation process, reiterating that ongoing stakeholder engagement will remain a central feature of economic policymaking going forward.

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