Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged additional pro-business measures in the upcoming federal budget on Monday, directing the Federal Board of Revenue to clear all pending tax refund cases by June 15.
The assurances came during a meeting in Islamabad with a high-level delegation of chambers of commerce and industry representatives from across Pakistan, who presented proposals ahead of the FY2026-27 budget.
What pro-business measures did PM Shehbaz announce ahead of the budget?
PM Shehbaz announced that the export finance rate will remain fixed at 4.5% until June 2027, the FBR must clear all pending tax refunds by June 15, and PRAL headquarters will be relocated to Karachi.
He also pledged continued efforts to support SMEs, boost production and advance export-led economic growth.
What did Shehbaz say about Pakistan's economic direction?
Sharif said recent government measures had helped stabilize the economy and that authorities would continue working toward faster and more inclusive growth. He reaffirmed that export-led expansion remains central to the government's strategy.
"Our mission is to achieve export-driven economic growth, and through collective efforts we will ensure its success," the prime minister said. He welcomed the banking sector's decision to hold the export finance rate steady, calling it an important step for the country's export industry.
What specific directives did the PM issue to the FBR and other bodies?
Sharif directed the FBR to resolve all outstanding tax refund cases by June 15 and instructed authorities to relocate the headquarters of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) to Karachi to improve facilitation for the business community. He also ordered the establishment of a passport office in Gujrat in response to requests from overseas Pakistanis and business representatives.
On electric vehicles, the prime minister encouraged local investors to expand production through joint ventures. He also said reforms and facilitation measures for small and medium-sized enterprises remain a key part of the government's economic agenda.
How did business leaders respond to the government's economic policies?
Members of the delegation praised Prime Minister Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role in promoting regional peace amid Gulf tensions. Business leaders expressed support for the government's economic policies and its efforts to generate employment.
The delegation also welcomed the launch of the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program, aimed at providing affordable housing loans to low- and middle-income households. Participants pledged cooperation with the government to bring the informal economy into the documented sector through digitization and structural reforms.
What reforms did the business community welcome at the meeting?
Delegates expressed appreciation for several ongoing initiatives, including changes to the Export Development Fund Board, progress on the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines, digitization efforts at the FBR and the implementation of e-invoicing systems.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and chambers from Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Sarhad, Quetta, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot. Federal ministers including Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ali Pervaiz Malik attended, alongside the State Bank Governor, the FBR chairman and other senior officials.
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