LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his economic team for presenting a balanced, business-friendly and growth-oriented Federal Budget 2026-27, describing it as a positive step towards economic stability, investment promotion and sustainable growth.
In a letter to the PM, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol congratulated PM Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the entire economic team for introducing a budget that reflects the government’s commitment to economic development, private sector growth and public welfare.
Faheem also acknowledged the contributions of Minister of State for Finance Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Director General Tax Policy Office Dr Najeeb Memon and other members of the economic team for maintaining close coordination with the business community throughout the budget-making process.
The LCCI president said the budget contains several important measures aimed at supporting businesses, encouraging investment, enhancing exports and providing relief to salaried individuals. He observed that these initiatives would help improve the business environment, stimulate economic activity and strengthen confidence among investors and entrepreneurs.
He particularly welcomed the continuation of concessional financing for merchandise exporters at a markup rate of 4.5 percent, withdrawal of the super tax, continuation of the final tax regime (FTR) for IT exports, abolition of capital value tax (CVT) on foreign assets, rationalization of withholding taxes under Sections 236C and 236K, removal of Section 7E and reduction in the Super Tax rate under Section 4C.
He also appreciated the introduction of the Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme for traders, reduction in withholding tax on international transactions through bank cards, removal of customs duties on agricultural machinery imports and meaningful tax relief for the salaried class.
He expressed confidence that the measures announced in the federal budget would contribute significantly to economic growth, export enhancement, industrial expansion, employment generation and overall economic stability in the coming years.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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