PM, business leaders discuss FY27 budget

June 03, 2026 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday convened a meeting with prominent industrialists and corporate leaders to gather input for the federal budget for FY2026-27, reaffirming the government's commitment to an export-oriented growth strategy and stronger collaboration with the private sector.

The consultation brought together several leading business personalities, including Mian Muhammad Mansha, Arif Habib, Atif Bajwa, Mohammad Ali Tabba, Mushdaq Zulqarnain, Ziaad Bashir, Zelaf Munir and Amir Ibrahim, according to the sources. 

Discussions centered on measures to accelerate economic activity, attract investment, enhance exports, and incorporate private-sector recommendations into the upcoming budget.

Addressing participants, the prime minister praised the role of entrepreneurs in supporting the economy during difficult periods and described the private sector as a key partner in Pakistan’s development.

He emphasized that continuous engagement with businesses is essential for effective policymaking and sustainable economic expansion.

Sharif reiterated that the government's economic framework is focused on increasing exports while broadening the tax base by bringing more economic activity into the documented sector.

He noted that the upcoming budget would seek to balance public relief measures with the need to preserve macroeconomic stability.

The prime minister said recent economic improvements and renewed investor confidence were supported by business-friendly policies, adding that the government is encouraging sectors capable of increasing local production, creating jobs and generating foreign exchange earnings.

He identified industry, agriculture and information technology as priority areas for future growth and highlighted ongoing efforts to equip young people with market-oriented technical skills.

During the briefing, government officials outlined progress on several reform and infrastructure initiatives.

These included proposals to streamline tax dispute resolution through improvements in tax tribunals, the establishment of specialized commercial courts, and investments aimed at strengthening transport and logistics networks.

Officials informed participants that work is progressing on the upgradation of the M-10 Motorway and the Pipri Freight Corridor to improve cargo movement between Karachi’s ports and inland destinations.

They also highlighted plans for the M-13 Motorway, which is expected to enhance connectivity between major cities and reduce travel times.

The meeting was also briefed on efforts to modernize Pakistan’s railway network through upgrades to the ML-1 and ML-2 corridors, improve freight services, and advance a national artificial intelligence strategy to support digital transformation and innovation.

Business leaders expressed support for the government's economic direction and welcomed reforms aimed at improving the investment environment.

They appreciated measures designed to facilitate business operations, including tax reforms, initiatives to expand digital payments, and efforts to strengthen the formal economy.

Participants also acknowledged recent steps taken to support industry, such as reductions in electricity tariffs, the removal of the Export Development Levy, and improvements in the processing of tax refunds.

They presented a range of proposals for consideration in the FY2026-27 budget, focusing on boosting exports, encouraging investment and sustaining economic growth.

The business community reaffirmed its willingness to work closely with the government in advancing Pakistan’s economic recovery and long-term development goals. Senior federal ministers, top government officials, representatives of key economic institutions, and the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan also attended the meeting.

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