A delegation from the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), led by Chairperson Dr Zeelaf Munir, met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, including Head Ms Iva Petrova, to discuss Pakistan’s shift from macroeconomic stabilisation to durable, export-led growth.

The PBC acknowledged improvements in inflation and fiscal consolidation but emphasised the need for stabilisation to convert into investment, productivity, and job creation. With a policy rate of 10.5 per cent and a primary surplus, the dialogue focused on structural measures to boost private-sector confidence, particularly through tax rationalisation.

The delegation called for abolishing the super tax, reducing the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent, and simplifying advance and withholding tax regimes, as current policies disproportionately burden compliant enterprises. They stressed the need for policy consistency, as frequent changes hinder capital deployment and export growth.

Dr Zeelaf remarked, “The priority now is institutionalising growth. A competitive tax framework, predictable energy pricing, and policy consistency are crucial for expanding exports, attracting investment, and generating employment.” This engagement is part of PBC’s ongoing dialogue with policymakers to strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness and foster sustainable economic expansion.