RAWALPINDI, JUN 12 /DNA/ – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has termed the Federal Budget 2026-27 a mixed budget, containing both positive measures and areas that require further attention.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat said that the reduction in taxes for the salaried class and the decrease in super tax are welcome steps. He also appreciated the tax relief provided to the IT sector, noting its vital role in promoting exports and employment.
He welcomed the allocation of Rs. 88 billion under the Export Finance Scheme, describing it as a positive initiative. However, he emphasized that the allocation should be further enhanced if the government aims to significantly increase exports. He also appreciated the proposal to abolish duties on life-saving medicines, calling it a pro-public measure.
RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf stated that while the budget includes some encouraging measures, it lacks a comprehensive strategy for industrial growth and revival. He noted that no significant initiative has been announced to improve the ease of doing business, which remains a key concern for the business community.
He welcomed the Fixed Tax Scheme but pointed out that the mechanism for its implementation has not yet been clarified. He stressed that sustainable industrial growth is directly linked to increased exports and urged the government to prioritize export-led economic policies.
Sohail Altaf further termed the abolition of super tax and the reduction in withholding tax as positive developments. However, he expressed concern that no meaningful relief has been provided to small businesses. He also highlighted the importance of bringing new taxpayers into the tax net to broaden the revenue base.
The RCCI leadership observed that there is still a lack of clarity regarding sales tax measures. Overall, they described the budget as balanced, with neither major cause for celebration nor serious concern. However, they noted that the budget does not provide a clear roadmap for reducing inflation.
Former RCCI President Raja Amer Iqbal welcomed the incentives announced for the real estate sector, particularly the relief in property transactions. He expressed hope that the government’s plan to utilize provincial resources for defense and administrative expenditures would help reduce dependence on additional borrowing in the future.
