Pakistan’s business community has expressed reservations about the upcoming FY27 Budget Pakistan, urging the government to move away from tax-heavy policies and adopt an export-led growth strategy. Business leaders say the country’s economic future depends on boosting exports and reducing the cost of doing business.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said they had submitted detailed proposals aimed at increasing exports and stimulating industrial growth. They stressed the need for meaningful consultation between policymakers and industry stakeholders.
According to business leaders, the FY27 Budget Pakistan should prioritize competitive energy prices, lower financing costs, and tax reforms that encourage production and exports. They argued that these measures could help Pakistan significantly increase its export earnings in the coming years.
The business community also called for a reduction in the General Sales Tax (GST) from 18 percent to 15 percent and urged the government to withdraw the Super Tax on industries. They believe lower taxation would improve competitiveness and encourage investment across key sectors.
Concerns were also raised about declining export performance. Business representatives noted that exports have fallen during the current fiscal year and warned that further declines could occur if existing policies remain unchanged. They emphasized the importance of creating incentives for new exporters and simplifying tax refund procedures.
The FY27 Budget Pakistan debate also highlighted issues related to policy consistency and trust between taxpayers and authorities. Business leaders argued that frequent policy changes create uncertainty and make long-term investment planning more difficult for companies.
In addition, industry representatives proposed increasing the tax-free income threshold for salaried individuals and raising workers’ wages to help offset inflationary pressures. They maintained that a balanced and business-friendly budget could strengthen economic growth, boost exports, and improve investor confidence.
