PMML proposes 12-point economic agenda ahead of federal budget

The Industry and Commerce Department of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) on Monday held a pre-budget seminar and presented a 12-point economic agenda, calling for public relief, support for businesses and measures aimed at economic stability.

The seminar was attended by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheem-ur-Rehman Sehgal, business leaders, representatives of traders' associations, market presidents and figures associated with the industrial and commercial sectors. PMML Deputy Secretary General Khalid Nek Gujjar, Lahore General Secretary Chaudhry Hameed-ul-Hassan Gujjar and other party leaders also participated.

Addressing the gathering, speakers said traders, industrialists, labourers and farmers were facing increasing economic difficulties and urged the government to present a people-friendly and business-friendly budget.

During the event, Chaudhry Hameed-ul-Hassan Gujjar unveiled the party's "Pre-Budget National Economic Declaration 2026", outlining proposals for economic reforms and public relief.

The declaration said inflation, unemployment, industrial slowdown and challenges facing the agriculture sector had worsened in recent years. It added that high electricity prices, taxation measures and economic pressures had increased difficulties for businesses and consumers.

Among its key proposals, the PMML called for tax relief for low-income salaried employees, an increase in salaries and pensions in line with inflation and raising the minimum wage to Rs60,000 per month.

The party also demanded reductions in electricity and gas tariffs, a review of independent power producer (IPP) agreements and the removal of taxes included in electricity bills.

The agenda proposed a solar energy programme under which domestic and agricultural solar systems would be exempt from taxes, supported through interest-free loans and protected through the continuation of net metering.

The party sought subsidies on fertilisers, seeds, pesticides and agricultural machinery, along with lower electricity rates for agricultural tube wells.

It also called for strengthening the economy through local industry, agriculture and exports, while reducing dependence on external lending.

The declaration proposed special relief measures and easier financing for small traders and industries, reforms in the tax system to prevent harassment of businesses and programmes to support youth employment through technical training and interest-free loans.

Other recommendations included activating a national price monitoring system to curb inflation, taking action against hoarding and profiteering, maintaining stability in petroleum prices and reducing government expenditure.

Participants at the seminar said recommendations from the business community should be reflected in the upcoming federal budget and pledged to continue raising issues related to economic growth, public relief and business development.