Key economic sectors: LCCI disappointed over lack of broader relief
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) acknowledged some positive measures in the federal budget 2025-26 but expressed disappointment over the lack of broader relief for key economic sectors. Following Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb's budget speech, LCCI leaders addressed a press conference, stating that while some of their demands were met, the business community had expected more substantial measures to stimulate investment, industrial growth, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and agriculture.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, along with Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, and former office-bearers including Mian Anjum Nisar, Muhammad Ali Mian, Ali Hussam Asghar, and Faheem ur Rehman Sahgal, shared their insights on the budget. A significant number of executive committee members and market association presidents also attended the conference.
Mian Abuzar Shad noted that the increased defense budget was a necessary step but argued that further increments should have been made. He welcomed relief measures for the construction sector and appreciated the higher allocation for water projects, though he stressed that even greater funding was needed given current challenges.
Shad highlighted that the LCCI's long-standing demand for simplified tax returns had been accepted. While the super tax was reduced, he described the cut as insignificant and called for a more substantial reduction. He praised the imposition of taxes on the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA), a measure the LCCI had long advocated for.
He pointed out that 45 government entities are being merged or abolished but emphasized the need to divest all loss-making public sector enterprises. Other positive steps included tax reductions in the real estate sector, lower duties on property transactions, the establishment of Daanish University, and measures to curb sales tax evasion. Bringing e-commerce into the tax net was also commended as a good decision.
However, Shad expressed concern over under-invoicing and Afghan trade, which he claimed had cost Pakistan Rs. 25 trillion over the past 15 years. He also criticized unchecked petroleum imports for negatively impacting foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, he voiced disappointment over the absence of specific measures to support SMEs.
Engineer Khalid Usman criticized the budget for lacking a clear growth strategy. He stated that the minor tax relief for salaried individuals was insufficient and called for further reductions. He also argued that taxing petroleum products would discourage the documented economy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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