RCCI President Meets PM Shehbaz, Presents Budget Proposals

RAWALPINDI ( WNAM REPORT): President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, accompanied by Group Leader Sohail Altaf, attended a luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House, Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by federal cabinet ministers, presidents of leading chambers of commerce and industry, and senior government officials. During the interaction, participants discussed key issues facing the business community and presented recommendations for the upcoming federal budget.
Speaking on the occasion, RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted concerns regarding recent media reports about proposed taxation on electric vehicles and solar energy solutions. He requested the Prime Minister to reconsider the policy and adopt a two-tier approach, whereby electric two-wheelers and scooties remain exempt from taxation. He also urged the government to provide incentives and protection for local manufacturers operating in these sectors.
The RCCI President emphasized the need to broaden the tax base instead of placing additional burdens on existing taxpayers. Referring to the government’s vision of an export-led growth budget, he stressed that meaningful incentives should be extended to exporters. He also proposed the establishment of a Pharma Export Council and sector-specific incentive packages to boost exports and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
Usman Shaukat further called for effective measures to reduce the cost of doing business and underscored the importance of promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation, and innovation.
Group Leader Sohail Altaf raised concerns regarding business operating hours during the ongoing heatwave and requested relief for traders in areas affected by smart lockdowns. He also proposed extending business timings and facilitating commercial activities in tourist destinations during the summer season. The Prime Minister responded positively to the suggestions and informed participants that a decision would be taken soon.
Sohail Altaf further advocated for reducing taxes on the retail sector and emphasized the need for a comprehensive industrial policy. He also called for relief measures for the construction sector and accelerated development of industrial zones along the Ring Road to attract investment and promote industrial expansion.
The RCCI leadership appreciated the establishment of the Tax Policy Office, stating that it would strengthen stakeholder engagement and improve coordination between policymakers and the business community, ultimately leading to more effective and business-friendly tax policies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the business community that their recommendations would be given due consideration in the budget-making process and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic stability, export growth, and private-sector-led development.