KARACHI: State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani reaffirmed on Saturday the government’s commitment to inclusive, consultative, and growth-focused economic policymaking ahead of the federal budget 2026-27.

Speaking during an extensive interactive session with members of the business community, exporters, and the media at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said stakeholder engagement was central to shaping national fiscal priorities, according to a news release.

The minister noted that Karachi remains the “heart of Pakistan’s business and economic activity,” and emphasised that such consultations are central to shaping national fiscal priorities.

The minister said that the government is actively engaging stakeholders across the country.

Kayani starts nationwide outreach from KCCI meeting

He said the purpose of these engagements is to incorporate feedback from exporters, traders, and industry representatives into the budget formulation process.

He added that these consultations are being conducted on the prime minister’s direct instructions to ensure a “whole-of-economy” approach to policymaking.

As part of this outreach programme, Bilal Azhar confirmed planned meetings with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), and representatives of small traders and business associations.

He highlighted that since February 2024, Pakistan has witnessed measurable macroeconomic stabilisation. He noted improvements in inflation control, tax collection performance, and external account stability.

Pakistan has successfully navigated key stages of its programme with the International Monetary Fund, with two major review levels cleared, contributing to improved foreign exchange reserves and overall economic confidence.

He also acknowledged past structural challenges, particularly cyclical “boom-and-bust” patterns driven by import-led growth without sufficient export expansion.

The minister stressed that breaking this recurring cycle remains a top priority of the government. He emphasised that sustainable economic expansion must be driven by exports, productivity, and industrial competitiveness.

He referenced recent government initiatives such as the “Exporters’ Recog­nition Awards,” where top exporters were acknowledged, describing it as part of a broader strategy to prioritise export growth as a national economic pillar.

He informed participants that the prime minister has constituted nine working groups comprising experts and stakeholders from different sectors to develop targeted policy recommendations for long-term economic growth.

Addressing energy pricing, the minister explained that petroleum prices in Pakistan are reviewed in line with global oil market trends.

He noted that when international prices declined, the government ensured that reductions were passed on to consumers.

He said that at various stages, the government also absorbed part of the burden through fiscal adjustments and targeted subsidies, particularly for vulnerable segments of society.

The minister also referred to Pakistan’s broader foreign policy role in regional stability efforts.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2026