IBA Karachi Hosts Insightful Pre-Budget Seminar on Pakistan’s Economic Future
Leading economists and policymakers gathered at IBA Karachi to analyze Pakistan’s economic outlook ahead of Budget 2025-2026, focusing on tax reforms, SME growth, and fiscal challenges.
Pakistan Economic Outlook Budget 2025-2026
KARACHI – The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi recently organized a high-profile pre-budget seminar titled *“Pakistan Economic Outlook for Budget 2025-2026”* to discuss critical economic challenges and expectations for the upcoming federal budget. The event, held at IBA’s Main Campus, was hosted by the Center for Business and Economics Research (CBER) and brought together leading economists, policymakers, and industry experts.
Key Discussions & Expert Insights
Moderated by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, the seminar featured prominent speakers, including:
- Dr. Miftah Ismail (Former Finance Minister): Highlighted concerns over revenue collection targets, stating that Pakistan’s tax rates are already higher than regional competitors, making it difficult to meet fiscal goals.
- Dr. Zehra Farooq (FBR Secretary, Income Tax Policy): Emphasized tax compliance and documentation of the economy, urging citizens to fulfill their legal obligations for sustainable growth.
- Mr. Khurram Husain (Economist & Journalist): Warned about rising defense spending due to regional tensions, which could strain the budget.
- Ms. Nadia J. Seth (SMEDA General Manager): Advocated for stronger support to SMEs, calling them the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and stressing the need to formalize the informal sector.
Critical Issues Explored
The seminar delved into pressing topics such as:
✔ IMF conditions and their impact on Pakistan’s economy
✔ Post-Trump trade tariffs and export challenges
✔ Climate change vulnerabilities affecting fiscal planning
✔ Pakistan’s fiscal autonomy amid global economic pressures
Why This Matters
With Pakistan’s economy at a crucial juncture, the insights from this seminar provide a roadmap for Budget 2025-2026, focusing on tax reforms, SME growth, and defense expenditure management. Stakeholders are keenly watching how the government balances these challenges while ensuring economic stability.
