Govt Promises Next Federal Budget Will be Pro-Growth And Focus on Exports

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani held an extensive interactive session with members of the business community, exporters, and media representatives at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday. were he said the government is committed to inclusive, consultative, and growth-oriented economic policymaking ahead of the federal budget expected in June.

The minister expressed gratitude for the invitation and thanked prominent business leaders Javed Bilwani, Zubair Motiwala, and the KCCI leadership for facilitating the engagement.

He described Karachi as the “heart of Pakistan’s business and economic activity”.

He stated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, is actively engaging stakeholders nationwide to incorporate feedback from exporters, traders, and industry representatives into the budget formulation process. These consultations, he noted, are being conducted on the prime minister’s direct instructions to ensure a “whole-of-economy” approach to policymaking.

As part of this outreach initiative, the minister confirmed upcoming meetings with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), as well as representatives of small traders and business associations.

Highlighting recent economic developments, the minister said Pakistan has witnessed measurable macroeconomic stabilisation since February 2024, citing improvements in inflation management, tax collection performance, and external account stability. He added that the successful completion of key review stages under the International Monetary Fund programme has contributed to stronger foreign exchange reserves and improved economic confidence.

Acknowledging past structural challenges, he noted that Pakistan’s economy has historically faced recurring boom-and-bust cycles driven by import-led growth without sufficient export expansion. Breaking this cycle, he stressed, remains a key government priority, with future growth anchored in exports, productivity gains, and industrial competitiveness.

The minister also referred to recent initiatives such as the Exporters’ Recognition Awards, describing them as part of a broader national strategy to promote export-led growth and sustainable economic development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth aimed at ensuring economic benefits reach all segments of society.

He informed participants that the prime minister has constituted nine working groups comprising experts and stakeholders from various sectors to develop targeted policy recommendations for long-term economic reforms. These groups, he said, are designed to improve coordination between government and industry while addressing structural bottlenecks across key economic sectors.

Addressing energy pricing, the minister explained that petroleum prices in Pakistan are adjusted in line with global oil market trends. He noted that reductions in international prices have been passed on to consumers, while the government has, at times, absorbed part of the burden through fiscal adjustments and targeted subsidies, particularly to protect vulnerable segments of society.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s broader diplomatic role in supporting regional stability, acknowledging contributions from both civilian and military leadership in maintaining peace while managing the economic spillover effects of regional tensions.

Concluding his remarks, the minister appreciated the role of the media and reaffirmed that continued stakeholder engagement will remain a central feature of economic policymaking.

Following the session, exporters presented proposals for consideration in the upcoming Finance Bill 2026–27. In response, the minister assured participants that their recommendations would be carefully reviewed during the budget formulation process. He emphasized that pre-announcing budgetary measures would be inappropriate before the formal presentation but reiterated that consultations are intended to incorporate stakeholder input into policymaking.

For clarification: export for human organs because people will die of hunger govt must do something to maintain a good amount in their bank accounts.