The Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has termed the federal budget a balanced and growth-oriented budget that reflects the economic realities of the country. The association expressed optimism that its pro-industry initiatives and supportive policy measures would stimulate economic activity, strengthen industrial growth, and contribute to sustainable economic development across the nation.
Chairman PTEA Applauds Government Efforts
Commenting on the federal budget, Chairman PTEA Sohail Pasha appreciated the government’s efforts to support economic recovery, promote industrial growth, and improve the ease of doing business. He stated that the measures announced in the budget provide a positive direction for the national economy, foster investor confidence, and create a conducive environment for business expansion and employment generation. He expressed hope that these initiatives would not only accelerate economic activity and strengthen key sectors but also deliver tangible benefits to the wider population, particularly lower-income segments. He further noted that improving macroeconomic fundamentals, coupled with stable remittance inflows and enhanced economic confidence, are expected to support stronger GDP growth and contribute to sustained economic progress in the coming years.
Abolition of Super Tax and Reduction in Tax Collection
Appreciating the announcement of abolishing the Super tax for persons having income of up to Rs500 million and reduction in tax collection on export proceeds from 2% to 1.25%, Pasha said that these measures would provide much-needed relief to the export sector, improve liquidity, stimulate investment, support export-led growth, and contribute to the overall expansion of economic activity across the country.
PTEA Vice Chairman’s Views on Budget 2026-27
Expressing his views on the federal budget 2026-27, PTEA Vice Chairman Ameer Ahmad said that a strong and resilient economy is the foundation of sustainable national development and prosperity. He appreciated the government’s efforts to pursue prudent economic policies and expressed confidence that the measures announced in the budget would help strengthen economic stability, promote investment and industrial growth, and pave the way for progress across all sectors of the economy. He expressed optimism that Pakistan would continue on a path of sustainable growth and development in the years ahead.
Elimination of Export Development Surcharge and Reduction in Markup Rate
Ahmad welcomed the elimination of the 0.25% Export Development Surcharge (EDS) and reduction in the markup rate under the Export Facilitation Scheme from 9 percent to 4.5 percent, describing these measures as timely and highly encouraging for the export sector. He said that the reduction in financing costs would significantly ease the financial burden on textile exporters, improve liquidity, and enhance their competitiveness in international markets.
Urgent Call for Refund Disbursement
He urged the government to expedite the payment of long-pending sales tax and income tax refunds, emphasizing that timely refund disbursement is critical for maintaining exporters’ cash flows and supporting uninterrupted business operations.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Referring to the challenges confronting the economy, PTEA leadership said that Pakistan’s export sector continues to face multiple pressures arising from global economic uncertainties and rising business costs. Despite these challenges, the government’s resolve in taking bold and pragmatic policy decisions aimed at restoring economic stability and supporting productive sectors of the economy was acknowledged. They expressed hope that the remaining impediments to export-led growth would also be addressed, enabling the export industry to realize its full potential.
