PM Shehbaz assures businessmen, industrialists of measures to boost industrial growth in upcoming budget

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday assured businessmen and industrialists that measures were being taken to make the forthcoming federal budget conducive to industrial growth and production. The government is expected to approve a consolidated national development programme of over Rs3.5 trillion and a macroeconomic framework envisaging economic growth of 4.1pc and inflation of 8.5pc for FY2026–27. The premier made these remarks while meeting presidents of chambers of commerce and industries to seek their suggestions for the 2026-27 federal budget, scheduled to be announced on June 5. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to dispose of all pending cases of tax refunds by June 15. He further ordered moving the headquarters of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) to Karachi, in order to enhance exports and facilitate the business community and exporters. The establishment of an office of the Immigration and Passport Department in Gujrat was also ordered. Moreover, the premier urged Pakistani investors to promote e-vehicle production in the country through joint ventures. PM Shehbaz noted that consistent efforts and hard work had helped stabilise the economy. He said additional measures would be taken in the upcoming budget to promote industrial development, boost production and support the business community. The premier assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to creating a more favourable environment for investment and economic growth. The delegation, in turn, assured the PM that the entire business community and industrialists were standing by the government and supporting its economic policies. It presented recommendations regarding the upcoming federal budget and measures aimed at supporting the country’s overall economic growth. ‘New era’ in Pak-China economic partnership Earlier, PM Shehbaz said the extraordinary increase in business engagements between the private sectors of Pakistan and C