Chambers of Commerce Reject Federal Budget Proposals, Call for Reforms to Support Industry and Exports

Islamabad:Business communities across Pakistan, including major chambers of commerce from **Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**, have **rejected the federal budget proposals for the fiscal year 2025–26**, expressing disappointment over the lack of incentives for industry, exports, and investment.

### 🏭 Industrial Concerns:

* **Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)** President **Javed Bilwani** criticized the budget for **ignoring tax net expansion** and **industrial production enhancement**.
* **Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)** President **Mian Abu Zar Shad** termed the budget “reasonable” but said it could have been **much better**. He emphasized that **burdening existing taxpayers instead of broadening the tax base** is unjustified.

### 📉 Exporters and Business Community Disappointed:

* Chambers from **Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Gujranwala** expressed **overall disappointment**, noting **no relief for exporters** and warning that the budget may lead to a **decline in exports**.
* **Hyderabad and Sukkur Chambers** labeled the proposals as **anti-trader and anti-public**, citing a **lack of meaningful support for the business community**.

### ⚡ Green Energy and Tax Burden:

Industry leaders also opposed the **imposition of tax on green energy**, warning it would **increase operational costs** and discourage sustainable practices in manufacturing.

### 💬 Mixed Reaction from KP and Balochistan:

Business representatives from **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan** appreciated steps such as:

* **Relief in the property sector**
* **Salary increases for government employees**
* **Minor tax cuts**

However, they criticized the **absence of an investment policy** and the **lack of support for local investors**, saying the budget fails to create an environment for business confidence or private sector growth.

### 🧾 Key Demands from Chambers:

* Expansion of the **tax net** to include untaxed sectors
* Formulation of a **comprehensive export policy**
* **Incentives for industries and green energy**
* Concrete measures to **attract domestic and foreign investment**

The collective response underscores a growing disconnect between the government’s fiscal policies and the expectations of the business community. Stakeholders urge the government to revise the budget in consultation with industry leaders to ensure **sustainable economic growth**.