Experts stress economic reforms, export growth at pre-budget discussion

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) A pre-budget discussion titled “Suggestions and Recommendations” was jointly organized by the Department of Economics of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur and the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry to deliberate on proposals for the upcoming Federal budget.

Participants emphasized that Pakistan’s economic recovery depends on restoring business confidence, reducing production costs, promoting exports, and encouraging investment in the private sector. They observed that sustainable growth in government revenue can be achieved not merely by increasing taxes on existing taxpayers, but through a balanced, business-friendly, and transparent tax policy focused on industrial growth, employment generation, export promotion, and long-term economic stability.

The discussion was addressed by President Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Syed Zafar Sharif, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti, President Private Colleges Association Faisal Nadeem, social leader Amber Tansir, Director Financial Assistance Prof.

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Dr. Areeba Khan, Chairman Department of Economics Dr. Muhammad Atif Nawaz, Chairman Department of Public Administration Dr. Shahbaz Ali Khan, Director Public Relations Dr. Shahzad Ahmed Khalid, Secretary Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Syed Abir Haider, Chairman Department of Islamic and Conventional Banking Dr. Owais Shafiq, and social media activist Waseem Iqbal, among others.

The speakers urged the government to align public expenditures with national income and called for greater investment in the education sector. They highlighted that government grants for higher educational institutions, including the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, have remained stagnant since 2018 and should be substantially increased. The participants also emphasized the importance of implementing a digital economy and an effective digital tax system to promote transparency, documentation, and long-term financial stability in the country.