The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government’s economic team for presenting what it described as a balanced, business-friendly and growth-oriented Federal Budget 2026-27, saying it would support economic stability, investment and sustainable growth.
In a letter addressed to the prime minister, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the wider economic team for introducing a budget that reflects the government’s commitment to economic development, private sector expansion and public welfare.
Faheem also acknowledged the role of Minister of State for Finance Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Director General Tax Policy Office Dr Najeeb Memon and other officials for maintaining close engagement with the business community during the budget formulation process.
The LCCI president said the budget includes a range of measures aimed at facilitating businesses, encouraging investment, boosting exports and providing relief to salaried individuals. He noted that these initiatives would help improve the overall business climate, stimulate economic activity and strengthen investor confidence.
Among the key measures welcomed by the chamber were the continuation of concessional financing for merchandise exporters at a markup rate of 4.5%, withdrawal of the super tax, continuation of the Final Tax Regime (FTR) for IT exports, abolition of Capital Value Tax (CVT) on foreign assets, rationalisation of withholding taxes under Sections 236C and 236K, removal of Section 7E and reduction in the Super Tax rate under Section 4C.
The chamber also appreciated the introduction of the Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme for traders, a reduction in withholding tax on international transactions conducted through bank cards, removal of customs duties on agricultural machinery imports and tax relief measures for the salaried class.
Faheem expressed confidence that the budgetary measures would contribute to higher economic growth, stronger exports, industrial expansion, job creation and greater economic stability in the years ahead.
