Aurangzeb launches early budget consultations to drive export-led growth

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday reaffirmed the government's commitment to structural economic reforms, policy consistency and an export-led growth strategy, announcing that preparations for the next federal budget had already begun through an extensive consultative process with the country's business community.

Addressing a meeting with leading industrialists and business leaders at the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), the finance minister said the government had deliberately initiated budget consultations much earlier this year to ensure broader stakeholder participation and a more comprehensive fiscal planning process.

He appreciated the Pakistan Business Council for providing a unified platform for the country's leading businesses and acknowledged its continued contribution to fostering constructive dialogue between the government and the private sector on key economic and policy issues.

Referring to the global economic environment, Senator Aurangzeb observed that the international economy had shown greater resilience than initially anticipated, noting that countries committed to structural reforms had been more successful in maintaining economic stability and sustaining growth.

He stressed that Pakistan must continue implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment and ensuring long-term sustainable economic growth.

Highlighting the government's fiscal strategy, the finance minister said the Federal Budget 2026-27 introduced significant taxation and financing measures designed to promote exports, improve exporters' access to credit and reinforce Pakistan's transition towards an export-driven economy.

He underscored that policy predictability remained essential for restoring investor confidence and enabling long-term business planning, reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing a Medium-Term Tax Strategy that would provide a stable and transparent taxation framework for businesses.

During the meeting, representatives of the Pakistan Business Council highlighted the organisation's role as a leading national business advocacy platform and emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between policymakers and exporters across various sectors to strengthen Pakistan's export performance.

Concluding the discussion, Senator Aurangzeb reiterated the government's resolve to pursue structural reforms, maintain policy continuity and create a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investment, boosting exports and supporting sustainable economic development.