Budget 2026-27 in focus: Challenges, choices & change: KCFR hosts seminar on assessing govt’s fiscal priorities, economic challenges

KARACHI: The Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) hosted a seminar at a local hotel, bringing together leading economists, policymakers, and experts for an in-depth discussion of the Federal Budget 2026–2027. The seminar featured distinguished speakers including Ikram Sehgal Defense Analyst, and Chairperson KCFR Nadira Panjwani, Dr Kaiser Bengali, Dr Khaqan Hassan Najeeb, along with other prominent economists and policy experts. The session focused on assessing the government’s fiscal priorities, economic challenges, and the broader socio-economic impact of the upcoming budget. Speakers highlighted key concerns, including persistent inflation, challenges in tax collection, and the need for structural tax reforms to strengthen fiscal sustainability. Discussions also examined the government’s efforts to provide relief to citizens while managing economic stabilization. A key focus of the seminar was budgetary allocations for education, health, and infrastructure, particularly amid rising debt-servicing obligations and IMF-related fiscal constraints. Participants also evaluated the budget’s impact on middle- and low-income groups, particularly inflation and cost-of-living pressures. The dialogue further explored revenue-generation measures and whether they promote economic documentation and growth or create challenges for businesses. Opportunities and constraints for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and technological adoption were also discussed. The seminar concluded that while the budget presents certain avenues for reform and growth, significant challenges remain in ensuring inclusive development and meaningful relief for vulnerable segments of society. The KCFR reiterated its commitment to fostering informed dialogue on national and international policy issues through such engagements. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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