APBF welcomes growth targets, calls for realistic implementation in Budget 2026-27

By Muhammad Shahzad
LAHORE: The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has welcomed the federal government’s macroeconomic targets outlined in the Budget 2026-27 framework, while stressing that their success will depend on practical implementation, policy consistency, and business-friendly reforms.
In a statement, APBF President Maaz Mahmood said the government’s targets of 4 percent GDP growth, 8.2 percent inflation, and the creation of two million jobs reflect optimism about economic recovery. However, he cautioned that achieving these objectives would require meaningful reforms in taxation, energy pricing, industrial competitiveness, and investment facilitation.
He noted that Pakistan’s business community has often witnessed ambitious economic targets fall short due to structural weaknesses and inconsistent policies. According to Mahmood, reducing the cost of doing business, ensuring reliable energy supplies, and maintaining policy continuity are essential for sustainable growth.
APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi welcomed the employment target but questioned whether the current pace of private-sector expansion and industrial growth would be sufficient to absorb two million workers. He emphasized that durable job creation must be driven by real economic activity rather than temporary public-sector initiatives.
The business forum also expressed concern over low investment levels, arguing that raising investment to 15 percent of GDP would require stronger investor confidence, stable fiscal policies, and improvements in the ease of doing business.
APBF leaders underscored the importance of supporting manufacturing and value-added industries, warning that excessive reliance on agriculture and services could result in uneven, consumption-led growth rather than productivity-driven expansion.
Commenting on inflation, Mahmood said the government’s target of keeping inflation at 8.2 percent would depend on currency stability, efficient supply-chain management, and controlled energy costs. He warned that external economic shocks or fiscal slippages could undermine price stability.
The APBF reiterated that the private sector remains ready to contribute to national economic development and urged policymakers to ensure that budgetary targets are backed by actionable reforms and meaningful relief for businesses, industries, and investors.