PM reaffirms export-led growth strategy

Says upcoming budget to provide public relief

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the upcoming FY2026-27 federal budget would include measures aimed at providing relief to the public while advancing the government's export-led growth agenda.

He said the government was pursuing an export-led growth strategy, which was the central pillar of the economic policy.

Talking to leading industrialists and prominent business leaders at the PM House, the prime minister underscored that measures were being taken to bring the informal economy into the tax net.

Welcoming the business leaders, the prime minister said that they were Pakistan's ambassadors and represent the country's identity around the world.

The meeting was held in the context of consultations with the business community regarding the upcoming FY 2026–27 budget and efforts to accelerate the country's overall economic growth.

PM Shehbaz Sharif pointed out that business-friendly policies had stabilized the economy and restored the confidence of foreign investors.

Chinese envoy

PM Shehbaz stressed the need to expand cooperation in key areas under CPEC 2.0, particularly agriculture, IT, industries, including SEZs, and mines & minerals.

While talking to Ambassador of China to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong who called on him at the Prime Minister House, the prime minister conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and fondly recalled his most productive and substantive meetings with the Chinese leadership during his recent visit to China.

While conveying his firm resolve to ensure the further strengthening of Pakistan-China All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the prime minister emphasized the need to immediately initiate necessary actions for follow up on the important decisions taken during his visit to China.

Railway mega projects

PM Shehbaz appreciating the Pakistan Railways for passenger facilitation and the upgradation of railway stations, directed that investment in freight services and the timely completion of mega projects be prioritised for the long-term and sustainable development of the service.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the progress in railway projects, said that a world-class freight service would not only facilitate the transportation of industrial products but also significantly increase the railways' annual revenue.