PM Shehbaz meets business leaders, vows full support for economic growth

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday met with the presidents of various chambers of commerce across Pakistan on Monday, acknowledging their resilience amid economic challenges and praising the government’s efforts toward economic stability.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed all ministries and relevant secretaries to consult with the chambers of commerce and develop an action plan for policy measures based on their suggestions. He emphasized that economic stability is only the first step and that the real journey of national development has now begun.

“We must work together for economic progress. Resolving the business community’s problems is our top priority, and the government will provide full support,” said PM Shehbaz. He also commended Pakistani entrepreneurs for continuing trade and industry operations despite tough economic conditions and reiterated the government's commitment to facilitating them.

The Prime Minister highlighted recent reforms, including the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the introduction of a faceless clearance system, which has significantly reduced port clearance times. He encouraged business leaders to share further suggestions for tax system reforms to help increase government revenue.

Business leaders welcomed the government's serious approach to addressing their concerns and appreciated their inclusion in the consultative process, especially for the upcoming budget. They expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic trajectory under PM Shehbaz’s leadership.

The meeting, held in Islamabad, was attended by Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Ali Pervez Malik. Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, and other senior officials were also present.

Following discussions, PM Shehbaz directed relevant ministries to prepare a detailed action plan to address the concerns raised by the business community.