IBA hosted a Seminar on the Federal Budget 2026–27, bringing together leading economists, policymakers, and public finance experts to discuss the budget’s implications for Pakistan’s economy, fiscal reforms, taxation, trade, and investment.
The session commenced with a welcome note by Dr. Lubna Naz, Director, Center for Business & Economic Research (CBER) at IBA, who emphasized the importance of sustained policy dialogue and collaboration between academia and policymakers. Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the institution’s role in fostering informed discussions on critical national economic issues and encouraging greater student engagement in public policy debates.
The discussion was moderated by Ammar Habib, Assistant Professor of Practice, SBS and featured an esteemed panel comprising Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, Government of Pakistan; Dr. Ali Salman, CEO – Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME); Dr. Ali Hasanain, Associate Professor, Economics, LUMS; Dr. Zehra Farooq, Staff Officer to Member IR Operations, FBR, and Dr. Aadil Nakhoda, Assistant Professor, SESS.
During the discussion, Khurram Shahzad shared the government’s perspective on fiscal stability, investment promotion, industrial policy, and reforms aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth. Dr. Salman highlighted the government’s tariff reforms and their role in promoting export-oriented industrial growth. Dr. Hasanain stressed the need for coherent trade and industrial policies, stronger institutions, and measures to address Pakistan’s anti-export bias. Dr. Zehra discussed revenue mobilization, tax reforms, enforcement measures, and digital transformation initiatives undertaken by the Federal Board of Revenue. Dr. Nakhoda examined the simplified tariff structures, export competitiveness, and greater integration into global value chains.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A Segment, reflecting IBA’s continued commitment to promoting evidence-based dialogue and informed policymaking on issues of national importance.
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