Islamabad – Pakistan’s industrial and business community has urged the federal government to take immediate and decisive steps to restore investor and business confidence, warning that prolonged uncertainty and rising costs are severely impacting economic activity and future growth prospects.
Industry representatives, speaking through leading trade bodies, stressed that confidence remains the backbone of economic revival, noting that persistent policy uncertainty, high energy prices, and escalating taxes have weakened industrial output and discouraged fresh investment. They cautioned that without corrective measures, Pakistan risks losing competitiveness in both regional and global markets.
Business leaders highlighted that manufacturers and exporters are grappling with record-high input costs, particularly electricity and gas tariffs, which have eroded profit margins and forced many units to operate below capacity. They added that frequent changes in tax policies and regulatory hurdles continue to undermine long-term planning and investor sentiment.
Calling for a business-friendly policy framework, the industry demanded consistency in economic decision-making, relief in energy pricing, and rationalisation of taxes to support productive sectors. Stakeholders emphasised that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without empowering local industries to expand, innovate and compete internationally.
The private sector also urged the government to strengthen dialogue with industry representatives, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in on-ground realities rather than short-term fiscal considerations. They argued that meaningful engagement would help restore trust and encourage both domestic and foreign investors to re-enter the market.
Industry leaders further warned that delays in addressing structural issues could lead to job losses, reduced exports, and slower economic recovery, at a time when Pakistan needs growth-driven policies to stabilise its economy. They reiterated their readiness to support national economic goals, provided a stable and predictable business environment is ensured.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.