Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan held a post-budget seminar on the 2025-26 federal budget at its School of Economics, focusing on key fiscal policies, reforms and their long-term implications.
Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Zubair Iqbal and Director School of Economics Professor Dr Muhammad Ramzan Sheikh led the session, which featured insights from economists, business leaders and media professionals.
President of Multan Chamber of Commerce Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh welcomed the imposition of excise duty on luxury items like sweetened beverages and cigarettes. However, he raised concerns over the transparency of the new Faceless Audit system and the government’s AI-based tax compliance mechanisms.
Dr Ramzan Sheikh criticised the increasing debt burden and called for clarity on the government’s debt management plans. He stressed the urgency of reforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and backed transparent, efficiency-driven privatisation. Professor Dr Muhammad Zahir Faridi highlighted the significance of supporting the agriculture sector through easy credit, improved supply chains and technology adoption. He also praised the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), recommending its expansion in coordination with health, education and women’s empowerment.
Professor Dr Syeda Azra Batool addressed the energy crisis and emphasised the need to curb circular debt, invest in renewable sources, and restructure power distribution companies (DISCOs). She underscored tariff reforms to promote local industry and exports. Dr Hina Ali from Women University Multan discussed health and education, urging reforms in preventive healthcare, teacher training, and skill-based learning. She emphasised the importance of turning budget allocations into measurable outcomes.
Muhammad Yousuf Siddiqui, Vice Chairman of ICMA Pakistan (Multan Branch), called for better water resource management, new dam construction and water-saving technologies. He also highlighted the need for transparency in the implementation of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects. Senior anchorperson Bilal Niazi, who moderated the seminar, lauded the role of media in budget awareness and policy debate. In his concluding remarks, Dr Ramzan Sheikh praised Dr Rashid Ahmed’s coordination and management, describing his dedication as vital to the event’s success. The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session attended by faculty and students.