Islamabad — August 11, 2026: Advisor to the Finance Minister, Mr. Khurram Schehzad, held a meeting with Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Mr. Ziad Bashir, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Javed Kureishi, at the Finance Division today to discuss measures aimed at promoting investment, strengthening private-sector participation, and advancing the government’s broader structural reform agenda, a Finance ministry announcement said on Tuesday.
The announcement noted meeting provided an opportunity to discuss key areas of economic reform, including the government’s ongoing privatization programme, restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and measures to reduce the government’s footprint in commercial activities. The participants discussed the proposed privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOs), banks, and airports, with emphasis on improving efficiency, attracting investment, and enhancing service delivery through greater private-sector participation.
The participants also discussed opportunities for bringing major public-sector entities to the capital markets through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), including State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC). It was noted that greater participation of private and institutional investors can support improved corporate governance, transparency, operational efficiency, and access to capital, while contributing to the government’s objective of encouraging market-led economic activity.
The PBC leadership expressed support for the government’s rightsizing agenda and emphasized the importance of creating a leaner, more efficient and focused public sector. PBC also agreed to share its detailed inputs and recommendations on privatization, SOE restructuring, rightsizing, and other areas where greater private-sector participation can contribute to economic efficiency and investment-led growth.
The meeting also covered tax rationalization and the development of a medium-term tax policy framework. The participants emphasized the importance of a predictable, transparent, and competitive tax regime that supports investment, business expansion, and long-term economic activity. Inputs and recommendations from the business community will be shared with the government to inform the ongoing medium-term tax policy discussions.
The PBC leadership also appreciated and supported the measures introduced in the Federal Budget FY27, particularly the policy shift from a narrow focus on increasing the tax burden towards broadening the tax base and economic activity. The leadership welcomed the incentives provided to the private sector and businesses, particularly measures aimed at supporting exporters, enhancing competitiveness, reducing the cost of doing business, and encouraging investment and expansion.
Mr. Schehzad appreciated the PBC’s engagement and emphasized the importance of continued consultation with the business community in shaping economic policies and reforms. He noted that constructive government-business dialogue is essential for building investor confidence, improving the business environment, and developing practical and sustainable reform measures.
It said “Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between the government and the business community to support the reform process, strengthen investor confidence, and develop policies that facilitate greater private-sector investment, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth”.
