Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a major relief package for Pakistan’s industries and exporters to boost economic growth and competitiveness.
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Speaking at the award ceremony for top exporters of fiscal year 2024-25 in Islamabad on January 30, 2026, the Prime Minister unveiled reductions in electricity tariffs and financing costs.
Power Tariff Slash for Industries
The government has reduced electricity tariffs for industries by Rs 4.04 per unit. Wheeling charges have also been lowered to less than Rs 9 per unit, enabling industries to sell excess power to nearby units more affordably. This aims to cut production costs significantly and revive industrial activity.
Incentives for Exporters
The export refinance scheme rate has been slashed from 7.5 percent to 4.5 percent, providing cheaper financing to exporters. Leading exporters will receive blue passports for two years to facilitate travel and business. The scheme has an allocation of Rs 1,052 billion, with Rs 900 billion already utilized.
Economic Context and Goals
The Prime Minister emphasized that export-led growth is essential for Pakistan’s future, moving beyond mere stabilization. He highlighted improvements like single-digit inflation, a reduced policy rate of 10.5 percent, and doubled foreign reserves.
The measures seek to attract foreign direct investment in export-oriented projects and reduce reliance on external borrowing. Exporters were praised as the backbone of the economy for their resilience amid past challenges.
Positive Reactions
Business leaders and associations welcomed the package, noting it would ease liquidity issues, promote exports, and accelerate recovery in key sectors like textiles.