Minhaj University Lahore organized a Pre-Budget Seminar

Lahore (May 15, 2025): A pre-budget seminar was organized by the Centre for Economic Planning and Development at Minhaj University Lahore in collaboration with Awami Tajir Ittehad and the Pakistan Economic Forum. The speakers at the event emphasized the need to reduce non-development expenditures and increase the development budget. They also stressed the importance of making bank loans more accessible to SMEs.

Former Finance Minister of Punjab and Chairman of NFC Board of Directors, Tanvir Ashraf Kaira, stated that transparency and financial discipline in the budget-making process are essential. He called for curbing unnecessary expenditures and focusing on development projects. He emphasized that the budget must address key issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inflation, and urged the state to revisit its financial priorities.

Vice President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mian Anjum Nisar, said that economic growth cannot be achieved without providing a business-friendly environment. He advocated for a simple and transparent tax system to widen the tax net and stressed the need for structural reforms to boost exports. He also called for incorporating private sector consultations into the budgeting process.

Renowned economist Dr. Ali Hussain emphasized the importance of data-driven and research-based decisions in budget formulation. He called for prioritizing investment in science, technology, and innovation. He further highlighted that economic policies should be centered on public welfare and that soft indicators must also be considered in the budgeting process.

Dr. Muhammad Afzal, member of the Pakistan Economic Frontier, said the development budget should not be limited to mega projects but should also support rural economies, agriculture, and small businesses.

Well-known analyst Habib Akram stated that the government should present its economic policies in a simple and understandable manner to the public. He highlighted the critical role of media in raising public awareness about economic matters.

Renowned businessman and PIAF Chairman Faheem ur Rehman Saigol emphasized the importance of public discourse on the budget alongside parliamentary discussions. He stressed the need for fair distribution of resources and strengthening the concept of a welfare state. He said that the budget should reflect social justice and help eliminate uncertainty.

Vice President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Khalid Usman, stated that easy access to bank loans for small traders and SMEs is crucial to boost business activity and create employment opportunities.

Senior journalist Hamid Waleed also addressed the seminar and shared his recommendations regarding the upcoming budget.

Chairman of Awami Tajir Ittehad, Haji Muhammad Ishaq, Secretary General Rashid Chaudhry, and Shehzad Rasool welcomed the guests at the event. Other notable participants included Chairman of FRAYA Shahbaz Aslam, Vice Chairman Asif Chaudhry, Sohail Ahmad Raza, and Shehzad Khan.

Registrar of Minhaj University, Prof. Dr. Khurram Shehzad, thanked the guest speakers for their participation and presented pre-budget recommendations, emphasizing economic justice and the importance of research and innovation in the economic sector.

The seminar was attended by well-known economists, industrialists, business leaders, and social personalities. The speakers stressed the need for economic improvement, reduction in inflation, and relief for the middle class in the upcoming budget. The participants presented several key suggestions to the government.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Vice Chancellor of Minhaj University, Prof. Dr. Sajid Mahmood Shahzad, presented shields to the guest speakers. A large number of faculty members, deans, and students from various departments of Minhaj University also attended the event.