Zubair Tufail, President of the United Business Group (UBG), urged the government to adopt key recommendations for the Federal Budget 2026-27 to enhance economic confidence, attract investment, and boost business activity. Key proposals include reducing the General Sales Tax (GST) from 18% to 15%, raising the GDP growth target to 8.5%, and lowering the maximum income tax rate for salaried individuals from 35% to 20%.

The UBG proposed a comprehensive Shadow Budget aimed at increasing exports from $30 billion to $80 billion and expanding the tax base from 3 million to 100 million taxpayers. Tufail emphasized the need for a fixed tax scheme for the retail sector, competitive energy rates for industries, and the restoration of the Export Facilitation Scheme.

Further recommendations included rationalizing customs duties, implementing a National Industrial Policy, and providing relief for the salaried class. He advocated for avoiding Rs. 500 billion in new taxes, abolishing the Super Tax, and restructuring the tax regime to meet revenue targets and boost exports.