Textile sector presents budget proposals

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting on Tuesday with a high level delegation representing Pakistan's textile and apparel sector, which presented a comprehensive set of proposals for the Federal Budget 2026 27 aimed at strengthening the sector's competitiveness, according to an official statement.

The delegation highlighted the textile sector's vital contribution to exports, employment and foreign exchange earnings. It emphasised the need for a stable, growth oriented policy environment to cope with global market dynamics and increasing regional competition. Key proposals focused on taxation reforms, energy affordability, export facilitation, industrial modernisation, liquidity management, investment promotion and ease of doing business.

The representatives stressed that timely policy support would strengthen export competitiveness, promote value added manufacturing and attract fresh investment. They called for efficient refund mechanisms, rationalised energy pricing structures, facilitation for exporters and reduced compliance burden.

Aurangzeb appreciated the sector's engagement and reaffirmed the government's commitment to regular consultations through the Tax Policy Office. He discussed ongoing efforts to promote transparency and documentation through digital monitoring systems already introduced in sugar, cement, beverages and tobacco sectors across the board, including in units owned by the prime minister's family.

The finance minister invited the textile sector to extend cooperation towards similar digital monitoring mechanisms. Representatives acknowledged the importance of transparency and agreed to continue consultations to explore workable solutions for the industry's unique operational structure.