Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Vice President (VP) Engineer Asim Munir has described the Punjab Budget 2026-27 as a positive step towards economic growth, employment generation, industrial expansion and human resource development, saying that the provincial government has prioritized the sectors capable of accelerating economic activity and strengthening investor confidence despite fiscal constraints.
Punjab budget to accelerate economic activities, improve growth: Engr Asim Munir
FAISALABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Vice President (VP) Engineer Asim Munir has described the Punjab Budget 2026-27 as a positive step towards economic growth, employment generation, industrial expansion and human resource development, saying that the provincial government has prioritized the sectors capable of accelerating economic activity and strengthening investor confidence despite fiscal constraints.
In his reaction to the provincial budget, he said that the government’s focus on infrastructure, transport, skills development, technology, agriculture, law & order and social protection would contribute significantly to sustainable economic progress and create new opportunities for businesses and the workforce.
He said that the Rs5.903 trillion provincial budget contained substantial allocations for development-oriented sectors that could stimulate investment, enhance exports and support long-term economic stability.
He said that the government’s efforts to maintain a balance between fiscal discipline, austerity measures and development priorities were commendable.
Welcoming the allocation of Rs26.6 billion for mass transit projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, he said that the initiative was of particular importance for Faisalabad, the country’s third-largest city and one of Pakistan’s leading industrial hubs.
He said that modern transport infrastructure had become an essential requirement for the city’s continued industrial and commercial growth. The proposed mass transit system would improve urban mobility, facilitate business activities and enhance workforce movement, ultimately contributing to greater industrial productivity, he added.
He termed various skills development programs introduced for young people as one of the most far-reaching components of the budget.
He said that investments in internationally recognized skills training, information technology education, internship programs, startup support and overseas employment opportunities were aligned with the demands of the modern global economy.
He emphasized that a skilled workforce remained Pakistan’s greatest asset and expressed confidence that effective implementation of these programs would help reduce unemployment while boosting exports and foreign remittances.
Engineer Asim Munir also welcomed the allocation of billions of rupees for technology and innovation initiatives, noting that the global economy was rapidly moving toward digitalization.
He said that the government’s focus on technology skills, incubation centers and startup culture would create new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
He said that stronger linkages between industry and technology could play a transformative role in modernizing Punjab’s industrial landscape and improving competitiveness in international markets.
Commenting on allocations for law & order and the Smart Safe Cities Program, he said that security, transparency and administrative stability were key factors influencing investment decisions. Enhanced surveillance systems, crime scene units and improved policing capacity would help strengthen the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors, he added.
The FCCI leader also appreciated the government’s support for the agricultural sector through initiatives such as the Kissan Card, Green Tractor Program, solar tube wells and irrigation projects.
He said that agriculture and industry were closely interconnected sectors, and increased agricultural productivity would strengthen the rural economy while ensuring a more reliable supply of raw materials for textile, food processing and other industries.
He said that allocations for social protection programs, ration cards, support for persons with disabilities, the Himmat Card and other welfare initiatives would provide meaningful relief to vulnerable segments of society.
At the same time, Engineer Asim Munir expressed hope that continuous consultation with industrial stakeholders, exporters and business organizations would remain part of the budget implementation process to maximize the benefits of development initiatives.
He stressed that close cooperation between the government and the private sector was imperative for accelerating industrial growth, creating employment opportunities and increasing exports.
Congratulating Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz and the provincial government’s economic team on presenting the budget, he said that timely and transparent implementation of announced development projects, skills programs, transport initiatives and investment promotion measures would help energize Punjab’s economy, improve the business climate and create new opportunities for the province’s youth.
The budget had the potential to become a catalyst for strong economic activity and long-term prosperity if executed effectively and in accordance with its stated objectives, he added.
