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In a major move to align the national fiscal policy with the needs of the business community, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani officially launched the nationwide consultative process for the Federal Budget 2026-27 on April 18, 2026.
Starting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Minister emphasized that Karachi remains the “economic heart” of Pakistan and will play a central role in shaping the upcoming financial year’s priorities.
Breaking the “Boom-and-Bust” Cycle
The Minister highlighted that the government’s primary goal is to shift the economy from import-led consumption to Sustainable Export-Led Growth. This strategy aims to permanently break the recurring cycle of economic instability that has hindered Pakistan’s progress in the past.
Key Highlights for Business Leaders:
- Nine Working Groups: The Prime Minister has constituted 9 specialized task forces to develop targeted policy recommendations for long-term industrial competitiveness.
- Macroeconomic Stability: Since February 2024, Pakistan has seen measurable improvements in inflation control and tax collection performance.
- IMF Progress: Having successfully cleared major reviews with the IMF, the government is now focusing on passing on relief to the industrial sector and the salaried class.
- Energy Relief: Minister Kayani pointed to the recent Rs. 32 cut in diesel prices as evidence of the government’s commitment to passing international price reductions to consumers.
The Road Ahead
This outreach will continue with scheduled meetings at the FPCCI and the OICCI. The government’s “whole-of-economy” approach ensures that input from exporters, small traders, and industry leaders is directly integrated into the final budget document.
Business Times PK Insight: This proactive engagement suggests that the 2026-27 budget will likely prioritize industrial digitalization and export incentives—critical areas for any growing startup in Pakistan today.