A significant step towards meaningful economic dialogue was taken as the Department of Economics at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), organized a high-profile Pre-Budget Seminar for the fiscal year 2025-26. The seminar took place at the FPCCI Regional Office in Lahore under the theme “Economic Outlook & Policy Recommendations for the Upcoming Federal Budget FY 2025-26.”
The event brought together eminent economists, policy experts, industrialists, and media professionals to share practical recommendations aimed at shaping a more inclusive and growth-oriented federal budget. It stood out as a shining example of strong linkages between academia, industry, and media—a collaborative approach much needed to address the country’s economic challenges.
The session was graced by Mr Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, Regional Chairman and Vice President of FPCCI, and Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhrey, Vice Chancellor of Government College University (GCU) Lahore, who served as the Special Guest of Honor. The event was hosted by Ms Qurrat-ul-Ain and Mr Zaki Ejaz, Vice Presidents of FPCCI, along with Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics at LCWU.
Renowned policy expert Dr M Ejaz Sandhu stressed the need to prioritize industrial investments as a way to boost tax revenue and broaden the tax base. Ms Qurrat-ul-Ain underlined the significance of enhancing women’s participation in the business sector and called for the implementation of women-centric economic policies. Dr M Younas Zahid from the Punjab Climate Action Network emphasized the urgency of financing renewable energy projects and improving waste management systems.
Prof Dr M Shahid Farooq from the University of the Punjab advocated for increased funding in higher education and human capital development to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Green energy expert Dr Ghaffar Dogar proposed shifting towards more affordable renewable energy sources and resolving issues related to net metering. Dr Zaki Ejaz emphasized the need for simplifying the tax filing process and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Dr Ghazanfar, a senior agriculturist and former Additional Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted the necessity of increased research and development funding in agriculture and the implementation of fair pricing mechanisms to support farmers. Tax expert Mr Munawer Mirza proposed eliminating the filer and non-filer distinction in the tax regime and pointed out inefficiencies in the current tax machinery.
Prof Dr M Omer Chaudhrey presented an in-depth economic analysis, advocating for the documentation of the economy, reduction in unnecessary consumer imports to conserve foreign exchange, and fostering a culture of tax compliance among citizens. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mr Mudassar Tipu, discussed export opportunities with Iran and praised the academia-industry collaboration exemplified by LCWU and FPCCI.
Veteran media expert and journalist Mr Najam Wali Khan stressed that tax responsibility must be shared by all sectors of the economy, including agriculture and corporate industries. He highlighted the role of transparency and fair competition in driving economic growth through an open market system.
The seminar concluded with remarks and a vote of thanks by Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal, who emphasized the private sector’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic growth during the 1960s. He urged the government to actively facilitate private sector involvement in mineral exploration and extraction. Dr Afzal also delivered the message of LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Uzma Quraishi, reaffirming the university’s commitment to enabling dialogue between academia, industry, and media as Pakistan stands at a crucial point in its economic journey.
The event was professionally moderated by Dr Hafsa Batool, whose contributions ensured a smooth and engaging discussion throughout the day. Souvenirs were presented to the distinguished speakers and members of the organizing team, marking the seminar as both a professionally enriching and warmly memorable occasion.