Islamabad
The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has voiced serious concern over the latest survey findings indicating that economic conditions may remain weak for the next six months, stating that the results mirror the prevailing uncertainty within the business community and among the general public.
APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said that the declining public confidence in economic improvement and investment prospects is a matter of grave concern.
He observed that when a majority of citizens do not expect better economic conditions in the coming months, it sends a strong message to policymakers about the urgent need for corrective measures.
According to him, despite some relative stabilization compared to the crisis phase of early 2024, the economy has yet to reach a level where businesses and consumers feel secure.
Maaz Mahmood stated that only a limited segment of the population currently considers the economy strong, while the majority continues to grapple with inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
He added that the low appetite for investment, as reflected in the survey, shows that investors remain cautious due to inconsistent policies, high operational costs and an unpredictable business environment. “Sustainable growth is only possible when there is long-term clarity and consistency in economic direction,” he said.
He stressed that the government must prioritize reducing the cost of doing business by rationalizing energy tariffs, easing the tax burden and ensuring access to affordable financing. Without these steps, he warned, both local and foreign investors would remain hesitant to commit fresh capital.
APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi said that the survey’s findings regarding low consumer confidence are equally alarming.
He noted that when a vast majority of people feel uncomfortable making major purchases, it directly affects trade volumes, industrial production and overall economic momentum. “Weak consumer demand has become one of the biggest challenges for traders and manufacturers,” he remarked.
Ibrahim Qureshi pointed out that small and medium enterprises are facing immense pressure due to high interest rates, rising utility costs and heavy taxation.
He urged the authorities to introduce targeted relief measures for SMEs, including concessional loan schemes and incentives for export-oriented industries. He emphasized that stimulating domestic demand is essential to reviving industrial activity and generating employment.
He also expressed concern over the low confidence in job security highlighted in the survey, saying that employment uncertainty discourages spending and slows economic circulation.
According to him, the government must focus on policies that promote industrial expansion, support new business ventures and encourage value-added exports to create sustainable jobs.
The APBF leadership reiterated that while there has been some improvement in economic indicators compared to last year, the pace of recovery remains fragile.
They called for transparent decision-making, policy continuity and meaningful engagement with the private sector to rebuild trust.
The forum urged the government to adopt a comprehensive economic strategy aimed at controlling inflation, enhancing productivity and improving the ease of doing business. APBF leaders maintained that decisive and coordinated actions are necessary to restore public confidence and prevent prolonged economic stagnation.
