Key points:

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened senior business representatives to solicit ideas for reviving Pakistan’s export sector.
  • The government reported a collection of roughly Rs 800 billion through enforcement actions, achieved without imposing fresh taxes.
  • Ongoing efforts are targeting the resolution of long‑standing court cases that have impeded revenue collection.
  • Export‑oriented firms received targeted tax concessions in the recent federal budget.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with a delegation of leading industrialists, trade association heads and chamber of commerce officials on Tuesday in Islamabad. The gathering was framed as a consultative platform where the private sector can present concrete measures to boost the country’s outward trade. The prime minister emphasized that a vibrant export landscape is essential for narrowing the persistent trade deficit and generating sustainable employment across the manufacturing and agricultural value chains.

In his address, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the administration’s fiscal discipline, noting that enforcement operations over the past year have reclaimed close to Rs 800 billion in previously unpaid dues. The collections were achieved through stricter compliance checks and the activation of existing legal provisions, rather than by raising any new tax rates. Officials say the additional revenue will help fund critical infrastructure projects that underpin export logistics, such as port upgrades and road corridors linking production hubs to international shipping points.

Another pillar of the government’s strategy is the accelerated clearing of court cases that have long delayed tax and customs revenue. By expediting adjudication on a backlog of disputes, the treasury aims to improve certainty for businesses and reduce the cost of compliance. The prime minister underscored that a more predictable legal environment is a prerequisite for attracting foreign buyers and encouraging domestic firms to scale up production for export markets.

The latest federal budget also introduced a suite of tax relief measures aimed specifically at exporters, including reduced customs duties on raw material inputs and a temporary waiver of certain excise taxes. These incentives are intended to lower production costs, enhance price competitiveness, and stimulate diversification into high‑value sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. The prime minister invited business leaders to submit detailed policy recommendations through a formal channel within the coming weeks, after which the cabinet will review and prioritize actionable proposals. This collaborative approach reflects the government’s broader effort to marry fiscal prudence with market‑friendly reforms to revive Pakistan’s export performance.