Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) Chairman Saqib Goodluck has termed the Federal Budget 2026-27 an “elitist budget,” accusing the government of completely ignoring small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and failing to fulfill longstanding commitments made to the textile trade community.

In a strongly worded statement, Goodluck said PYMA has repeatedly demanded the removal of discriminatory policies that grant privileges to manufacturers and the industrial sector while denying them to importers and traders. “Unless this divide is eliminated, equal business opportunities cannot be ensured, and the gulf between trade and industry will only widen,” he warned.

He noted that PYMA had submitted detailed proposals to the government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ahead of the budget, urging measures to create a level playing field for all stakeholders. “Regrettably, none of these proposals were considered, leaving traders disappointed once again,” he added.

Goodluck criticized the government for neglecting the SME sector’s pressing challenges and failing to address structural imbalances in the textile value chain. He pointed out that while fabric remains relatively cheaper, raw material and intermediate yarn are expensive, raising business costs and putting local traders under severe pressure.

“The budget neither reviewed the duty structure nor attempted to resolve fundamental issues undermining the competitiveness of the textile trade,” he said.

The PYMA chairman demanded that the government honor its pre-budget commitments, extend genuine relief to SMEs, and abolish discriminatory policies between manufacturers and traders. “Only by ensuring equal opportunities across all business sectors can Pakistan’s economy and trade truly flourish,” he concluded.