LAHORE: Industrialists, traders and agricultural experts have urged the government to adopt business-friendly policies and provide immediate relief to the industry, trade and agriculture sectors to tackle economic challenges and ensure sustainable growth.
The demand was made at a pre-budget seminar organised by the Traders Wing of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), where participants stressed that manufacturing growth, agricultural development and youth employment were essential for achieving long-term economic stability and prosperity.
Addressing the seminar, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheemur Rehman Sehgal said Pakistan possessed immense economic potential and abundant natural resources but required effective leadership and sound policymaking to realise meaningful progress.
He further said a strong economy was crucial for national development and called for collective efforts to overcome economic challenges.
He noted around 65 percent of the country’s population comprised young people and said they could play a transformative role in the economy if provided opportunities in information technology, entrepreneurship and industrial development.
Speakers highlighted the need to promote manufacturing and create a supportive business environment to boost exports, generate employment and stimulate industrial activity. They expressed concern over high interest rates, rising energy tariffs and increasing production costs, terming them major impediments to economic growth and investment.
The participants also described agriculture as the backbone of the national economy and urged the government to review its agricultural policies, launch an agricultural emergency programme and establish special agriculture-industrial zones to support farmers and enhance productivity.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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