Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has termed the Federal Budget 2026-27 a mixed budget, containing both positive measures and areas that require further attention.
Addressing a press conference at RCCI, President Usman Shaukat said that the reduction in taxes for the salaried class and the decrease in super tax are welcome steps.
He also appreciated the tax relief provided to the IT sector, noting its vital role in promoting exports and employment. He welcomed the allocation of Rs88 billion under the Export Finance Scheme, describing it as a positive initiative.
However, he emphasized that the allocation should be further enhanced if the government aims to significantly increase exports.
RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf stated that while the budget includes some encouraging measures, it lacks a comprehensive strategy for industrial growth and revival.
He welcomed the Fixed Tax Scheme but pointed out that the mechanism for its implementation has not yet been clarified.
He stressed that sustainable industrial growth is directly linked to increased exports and urged the government to prioritize export-led economic policies.
Sohail Altaf further termed the abolition of super tax and the reduction in withholding tax as positive developments.
However, he expressed concern that no meaningful relief has been provided to small businesses. The RCCI leadership observed that there is still a lack of clarity regarding sales tax measures.
Former RCCI President Raja Amer Iqbal welcomed the incentives announced for the real estate sector, particularly the relief in property transactions.
