KARACHI: The business community has termed the statistics of the Economic Survey 2025-26 as broadly encouraging, noting that the economy is on the right track. However, it stressed the need for deeper structural reforms and targeted policy measures to accelerate sustainable economic growth.
Commenting on the Economic Survey, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, noted that Pakistan’s economy achieved a growth rate of 3.7 percent during this fiscal year compared to 2.8 percent in the previous year.
“This is a positive development, along with an increase in per capita income. However, it noted that the benefits of this growth and development have not yet been transferred to the masses.” He urged the formulation of policies that ensure the wider public becomes a direct beneficiary of economic growth.
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He expressed optimism that Pakistan could achieve a GDP growth rate of 5 percent if the government continues to provide strong support to the industrial and export sectors. Magoon, who is also Chairman Businessman Panel Progressive (BMPP), said that the overall size of Pakistan’s economy has also reached historical level of USD 452 billion, which is a positive sign. However, despite being an agricultural country, the performance of the agriculture sector has remained not only below expectations, but alarming.
He stressed that the government needs to pay greater attention to the agriculture sector to unlock its full potential. Agricultural sector exports and value addition can help to reduce the trade deficit.
Khurram Ijaz Secretary General BMPP said that the economic indicators are encouraging. He described the increase in foreign exchange reserves to USD 18 billion as a positive development that would strengthen the country’s external sector and improve economic stability.
He said that Pakistan’s business community stands firmly with the government and supports its efforts toward economic stabilisation. However, he urged policymakers to seriously consider the practical proposals put forward by traders and industrialists during the budget-making process and present a budget that promotes investment, industrial growth, export expansion, and overall economic development.
Ijaz said that government should place special focus on the export sector and introduce policies that can significantly enhance exports. To effectively address such challenges of industrial growth, he said, the government must adopt a comprehensive and long-term economic strategy.
Shabbir Hassan Mansha Churra former vice president FPCCI also appreciated the economic performance and emphasised that the government must take effective and long-term measures to further accelerate economic growth.
He praised overseas Pakistanis for their contribution to the economy, stating that they have sent more than USD 38 billion in remittances during the first eleven months of the fiscal year, playing a vital role in strengthening the economy and improving the country’s external accounts. He described the increase in remittances as a highly positive development for Pakistan.
Mansha also welcomed the nearly 6 percent growth in Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM), describing it as an encouraging sign. However, he said that this growth rate can be further improved through long-term industrial policies. He stressed the need to reduce electricity, gas, and other utility tariffs to enable Pakistani industries to compete effectively in international markets.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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