ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of Pakistan’s leading industrialists and prominent business figures on Wednesday to discuss the country’s economic direction and consult on proposals for the upcoming federal budget 2026–27.
The meeting focused on accelerating economic growth, strengthening export-led development, and improving coordination between the government and the private sector to stabilize the national economy.
The delegation included some of the country’s most influential business leaders, who engaged with the prime minister on investment climate, tax reforms, and industrial expansion strategies.
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the delegation, describing them as “ambassadors of Pakistan’s economy” and expressed appreciation for their continued support during challenging economic conditions. He emphasized that strong public-private partnerships were essential for sustainable growth.
He said the government was prioritizing export-oriented policies, expanding the tax base by bringing the informal economy into the formal system, and introducing measures to provide relief to the public in the upcoming budget.
Sharif added that policies promoting industry, agriculture, and information technology would be central to job creation and long-term economic stability. He also highlighted ongoing technical and vocational training programs aimed at equipping young people with employable skills.
Officials briefed the delegation on ongoing reforms, including improvements in tax tribunals to resolve cases more efficiently, the planned establishment of special commercial courts, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving trade logistics.
These include upgrades to major motorways, freight corridors, and Pakistan Railways’ main lines to enhance cargo transportation efficiency.
The briefing also highlighted efforts to implement a national artificial intelligence transformation plan and the use of video analytics in key industrial sectors to improve revenue collection and operational transparency.
Members of the delegation expressed confidence in the government’s economic direction and appreciated reforms aimed at improving business conditions, including digitization of payments, documentation of the economy, and timely tax refunds. They also welcomed efforts to reduce electricity tariffs for industries and improve export competitiveness.
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The business leaders also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional stability and reiterated their commitment to supporting the government in achieving economic recovery and sustainable growth.
