RAWALPINDI — The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has described the Federal Budget 2026-27 as mixed, acknowledging its positive aspects while indicating areas needing further focus. RCCI President Usman Shaukat, during a press conference, highlighted welcomed reductions in taxes for the salaried class and appreciated the tax relief for the IT sector, which he believes plays a crucial role in boosting exports and employment.
Usman Shaukat praised the allocation of Rs. 88 billion under the Export Finance Scheme but advised that the figure should be increased to substantially raise export levels. He labeled the proposed abolition of duties on life-saving medicines as a pro-public measure.
RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf remarked that despite some commendable measures, the budget lacks a comprehensive strategy for industrial growth and the ease of doing business. While supporting the Fixed Tax Scheme, Altaf expressed concerns about its implementation process. He stressed the necessity of export-led economic policies for sustainable industrial growth.
Altaf also welcomed the elimination of super tax and reduction in withholding tax but criticized the budget for failing to provide substantial relief to small businesses. He emphasized the importance of broadening the tax base by incorporating new taxpayers.
Former RCCI President Raja Amer Iqbal appreciated the incentives for the real estate sector, notably the relief in property transactions, while the RCCI leadership overall observed that the budget lacks a clear path to inflation reduction and noted ambiguity in sales tax measures.
