April 19, 2026
Govt initiates nationwide industry consultations to shape fiscal policy
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said the government has launched nationwide consultations ahead of the 2026-27 budget, beginning with the Karachi business community. He said the process aims to gather input from stakeholders and support growth led by exports and competitiveness.
April 19, 2026
KARACHI: State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani on Saturday announced the commencement of an extensive nationwide outreach program designed to integrate the perspectives of the business community into the federal budget for 2026-27.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the minister emphasized that inclusive and consultative policymaking is essential for crafting a growth-focused economic roadmap. He noted that these engagements, initiated on the direct instructions of the Prime Minister, aim to adopt a “whole-of-economy” approach by incorporating specific feedback from exporters, traders, and industrial representatives.
Highlighting Karachi’s role as the "heart of Pakistan’s business activity," Minister Kayani confirmed that the government would extend these consultations to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), and various small trader associations.
The minister reported that since February 2024, the national economy has achieved measurable macroeconomic stabilization, including improved inflation management and the successful clearance of two major IMF program reviews. These milestones, he noted, have contributed to a stabilization of the external account and an increase in foreign exchange reserves.
Addressing structural economic issues, the minister stressed that the government’s top priority is breaking the recurring "boom-and-bust" cycle caused by import-led growth. To facilitate a transition toward an export-led economy, the Prime Minister has established nine specialized working groups to develop targeted policy recommendations focused on industrial competitiveness.
Regarding energy costs, the minister maintained that the government has remained responsive to global oil market trends, ensuring price reductions are passed to consumers while providing targeted subsidies and fiscal adjustments to protect vulnerable segments of society.
0 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to join the discussion!
