The business community has urged the government to introduce tax relief and ease compliance requirements in the upcoming federal budget for FY2026-27 during a high-level consultative meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The meeting was held with a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by President Atif Ikram Sheikh, to discuss taxation proposals, export facilitation, industrial reforms, and measures aimed at improving Pakistan’s business environment ahead of the FY27 budget.
During the session, FPCCI representatives presented sector-specific recommendations covering sales tax, customs duties, industrial raw materials, machinery imports, export competitiveness, and the overall cost of tax compliance for businesses.
The delegation highlighted concerns faced by exporters, manufacturers, traders, and industries including textiles, steel, edible oil, plastics, chemicals, and cotton ginning. Business leaders emphasized the need for faster tax refund processing, simplified customs procedures, lower compliance costs, and easier access to industrial inputs to support economic growth and exports.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting export-led economic growth. He said ongoing reforms are focused on improving economic documentation, increasing transparency, and creating a more investment-friendly environment.
The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to modernize the tax system through automation, digital invoicing, data integration, and simplified tax procedures aimed at facilitating genuine businesses and improving efficiency within the revenue system.
Both sides exchanged views on trade facilitation, export diversification, industrial productivity, and ways to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The finance minister assured the FPCCI delegation that the business community’s proposals would be considered during the budget formulation process and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued consultation with private sector stakeholders.
