ISLAMABAD — Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan recovered Rs800 billion through enforcement measures in one year, while the government carried out structural reforms despite difficult economic conditions.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of prominent industrialists and business leaders in Islamabad, the prime minister said export-led economic growth remains the government’s top priority.
Shehbaz said the government had held extensive consultations with the business community ahead of the latest federal budget, with the finance and commerce ministers and senior officials also engaging with industry and trade representatives.
He said several reforms and measures were introduced with the support and input of the business community, adding that the government would continue to consult traders and industrialists as it moves forward.
Government seeks stronger export growth
The prime minister said Pakistan needed to promote growth driven by exports and noted that exporters had been provided tax relief as part of government measures.
He urged the business community to share proposals on how exports could be increased and the country’s economic performance strengthened.
Speaking at the meeting, prominent industrialist Arif Habib welcomed the government’s budget and measures aimed at promoting exports. He expressed hope that the steps would attract further investment and help increase Pakistan’s exports.
Industrialist Umar Saeed said government measures had increased business confidence in investment opportunities.
Business leaders discuss AI and infrastructure
Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim said discussions also focused on increasing exports in sectors including telecommunications, as well as infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
He said attention was being given to AI factories in Pakistan, particularly data centres.
Industrialist Shehzad Saleem said the prime minister listened carefully to the business community’s recommendations and issued directions to address their concerns.
Industrialist Javed Bilwani welcomed the opening of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) offices in Karachi and other cities, saying continued engagement between the government and business community could contribute to stronger exports and economic growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government would continue moving forward in consultation with the business community.