Govt urged to go for a balanced fiscal policy

ISLAMABAD: While appreciating policy interventions through Finance Act 2026, a top official of a leading multinational beverage company has strongly proposed a balanced fiscal policy to incentivize compliant, formal market players and bring the large informal sector under regulatory oversight and the documented regime. Addressing the “Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2026, ” Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, The Coca-Cola Company and Chairman of the Beverages Advisory Foundation, highlighted, “We have seen a few relief from the government, and we are thankful for these great efforts. We have been working with other industries to support the stabilization of the economy. ” Emphasising the private sector’s scale of long-term commitment, he added that “the beverage industry alone has invested around USD3 billion over recent years. ” Echoing calls for structural reform, Dr Faisal Hashmi, in his address acknowledged recent government policy interventions with the commitment that the beverage industry has the potential to drive broader economic growth. Elaborating further on the sector’s potential, Dr Hashmi later noted that the vast, untapped growth capacity of Pakistan’s beverage industry as a key contributor to the broader economic recovery. He stressed that provided a level playing field and an equitable, business-friendly tax regime are established the sector can expand its economic footprint significantly through transparent tax compliance, high-quality production standards, and large-scale livelihood creation across its extensive supply chain. “By establishing a predictable, stable, and transparent regulatory landscape, global investors will view Pakistan’s high-density market far more favourably, opening doors to much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Strengthened FDI and sustainable growth in the beverage sector will, in turn, enable industry leaders to reinvest meaningfully into local communities through social impact initiatives, environmental stewardship programmes, and youth development, ensuring economic growth translates into lasting community progress, ” he added. Dr Hashmi advocated for a balanced fiscal policy that incentivizes compliant, formal market players while bringing the large informal sector under regulatory oversight and the tax net. Documenting and regulating informal operators, he noted, would not only widen the national tax base and safeguard consumer health through standardized quality controls, but also sends a strong, positive signal to global markets and investors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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