Islamabad
\nThe 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.
\nAPBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said that the declining public confidence in economic improvement and investment prospects is a matter of grave concern.
\nHe 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.
\nAccording 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.
\nMaaz 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.
\nHe 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. \u201cSustainable growth is only possible when there is long-term clarity and consistency in economic direction,\u201d he said.
\nHe 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.
\nAPBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi said that the survey\u2019s findings regarding low consumer confidence are equally alarming.
\nHe noted that when a vast majority of people feel uncomfortable making major purchases, it directly affects trade volumes, industrial production and overall economic momentum. \u201cWeak consumer demand has become one of the biggest challenges for traders and manufacturers,\u201d he remarked.
\nIbrahim Qureshi pointed out that small and medium enterprises are facing immense pressure due to high interest rates, rising utility costs and heavy taxation.
\nHe 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.
\nHe also expressed concern over the low confidence in job security highlighted in the survey, saying that employment uncertainty discourages spending and slows economic circulation.
\nAccording 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.
\nThe APBF leadership reiterated that while there has been some improvement in economic indicators compared to last year, the pace of recovery remains fragile.
\nThey called for transparent decision-making, policy continuity and meaningful engagement with the private sector to rebuild trust.
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-534236","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n