ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif met Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan to discuss matters pertaining to Pakistan’s economic growth, export promotion and the upcoming federal budget.
The meeting was also attended by a delegation from the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which presented its proposals and recommendations for consideration in the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
Haroon Akhtar stated that the budget would be industry-friendly and business-friendly, aimed at providing relief and incentives to the business community. He said that proposals regarding tax relaxation and incentives were currently under review and the government was committed to incorporating practical and growth-oriented measures.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s economic development remains the government’s top priority, adding that in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all ministries were working day and night to enhance exports and strengthen the national economy.
Haroon Akhtar stated that, in accordance with the prime minister’s vision, Pakistan’s first-ever National Industrial Policy had been prepared to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable industrial growth. He highlighted that regulatory reforms and new policies had been formulated to facilitate investors and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Muhammad Asif remarked that the dream of a strong economy could not be realised without industrial development. He stressed that unless the business community was provided maximum facilitation, the country could not move towards sustained improvement and prosperity.
The special assistant assured traders and industrialists that their suggestions and feedback would be incorporated into the budget-making process to ensure inclusive and effective economic planning.
