ICAP hosts ‘post-budget conference 2026’ across Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad

KARACHI: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) successfully hosted its Post-Budget Conference 2026 across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, providing a strategic platform for policymakers, business leaders, and finance professionals to analyze the Federal Budget 2026–27 and its implications for economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and the business environment.

Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue, attended as Chief Guest and outlined the government’s fiscal priorities, reform agenda, and measures aimed at economic stabilization. He appreciated ICAP’s continued contributions toward strengthening policy dialogue and financial transparency.

Muhammad Samiullah Siddiqui, President ICAP, underscored the importance of structural reforms, prudent fiscal management, and broadening the tax base, reaffirming ICAP’s commitment to providing technical support and policy input.

Zeeshan Ijaz, Council Member and representative of ICAP’s Economic Advisory & Fiscal Laws Committee, presented a detailed technical review of the budget, focusing on taxation measures and reform recommendations.

A key highlight was session on economy, where leading experts discussed the macroeconomic outlook, fiscal challenges, and structural reforms required for long-term economic resilience. Session featured Khaqan Hassan Najeeb, Public Policy Advisor & former Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, as keynote speaker. The session was moderated by Sadia Khan, Head of Finance – Asia Pacific, Adam Smith International, and included panelists Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, former President ICAP & former Minister of State, and Syed Ali Ehsan, Program Director, PRIME Institute.

Session on Industry highlighted the insights on the budget’s impact on industrial growth, investment climate, and competitiveness, while emphasizing policy consistency and ease of doing business.

The session brought together leading corporate voices including Sarfaraz Ahmed Rehman (Unilever Foods Pakistan), Irfan Amanullah (Attock Cement), Muhammad Faisal (Lucky Motor Corporation), and Javed Ahmedjee (Hascol Petroleum), with moderation by Aman Ghanchi (Unilever).

In Lahore and Islamabad, notable participants included Haroon Khalid (MCB Islamic Bank), Harris Mahmood (Dawn Foods), Nadeem Khan (PTCL Group), Sohail Altaf (Suzuki Central Motors), and Mr. Touseef Alam Khan (National Logistics Corporation).

Session on indirect taxation examined changes in sales tax and customs duties, stressing the need for simplification, transparency, and improved compliance mechanisms. Session featured leading tax professionals including Asif Kasbati (Kasbati & Co.), Adnan Mufti (Moore Shekha Mufti), Haris Tufail (KPMG), Muhammad Zeeshan Merchant (M. Merchant & Co.), and Tazeen Fatima (Unilever). Additional prominent speakers included Naeem Akhtar Sheikh, Faisal Iqbal Khawaja, Ahmad Jabbar, Imran Afzal, Syed Ali Adnan, Waqar Zafar, Muhammad Mansoor Saeed, Sufiyan Habib, and Fareeha Hassan.

Session on direct taxation provided in-depth analysis of income tax measures, focusing on clarity in tax laws, reducing litigation, and creating a fair and predictable tax environment. Session included renowned experts such as Muhammad Raza, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Mehmood Bikiya, Imran Ali Memon, M. Muzammil Hemani, and Asif Zafar. In Lahore and Islamabad, key speakers included Asim Zulfiqar, Mohsin Nusurullah, Kamran Iqbal Butt, Shafaqat Ali (ATIR), Rashid Ibrahim, Masood Shahid, Muddassar Khalid, and Sheikh Moeen Ahmad.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026