Pakistan, June 3 -- The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) on Monday called on the federal government to place small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the upcoming Federal Budget 2025-26, warning that without immediate and meaningful support, the backbone of Pakistan's economy could face serious setbacks.
In a policy meeting held in Lahore to finalize recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year, APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood emphasized that the government must take tangible steps to revive and protect the SME sector, which represents over 90% of Pakistan's 5.2 million business enterprises, contributes nearly 40% to the GDP, and employs more than 78% of the non-agricultural labor force.
"Time for lip service is over. ...