KARACHI: The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged the government to prioritise tax reforms for the agricultural and industrial sectors, alongside energy sector reforms, so that Pakistan’s economy can move toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
Welcoming the announcement by Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif regarding a reduction of Rs 4.04 per unit in electricity tariffs for industries, terming it a timely and much-needed step, the forum stated that this decision will play a significant role in promoting domestic industry, exports, and overall economic activity.
PBF President Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman said that the government’s announcement of a Rs 9 reduction in wheeling charges is also commendable, as it will help lower business costs and provide relief to industrial consumers.
He added that the reduction in electricity prices had long been a key demand of the business community, which the present government has addressed with seriousness and practical action.
He stated that the decrease in power tariffs is a positive beginning and reflects the government’s willingness to respond constructively to the criticism and recommendations of the business community.
He expressed hope that the reduction announced under the new power package would be maintained on a permanent basis, enabling industries to achieve long-term stability.
PBF President also demanded that the Ministry of Power issue a formal notification from February 1 regarding the revised electricity tariffs so that industrialists and investors can plan their future strategies with confidence.
Furthermore, he urged the government to re-evaluate the imposition of Super Tax in light of the recent judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court.
The forum suggested that, if recovery of Super Tax is deemed necessary, the government should allow companies to pay the amount in easy instalments.
This would help ease the financial burden on businesses and prevent liquidity constraints, as it is extremely difficult for companies to pay accumulated Super Tax liabilities of the last three to four years in one go.
Similarly, the forum also called for the abolition of the 18 percent General Sales Tax (GST) on locally produced cotton. He stated that local cotton is essential for the textile industry, and the tax burden on it is weakening domestic industry. PBF added that removing GST on local cotton would not only increase cotton production but also directly benefit farmers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026