PBF Calls for Agricultural Emergency in Budget 2025–26 Amid Alarming Sector Decline
The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to declare an agricultural emergency in the upcoming 2025–26 federal budget, following what it terms the government’s failure to support the sector effectively.
Reacting to the National Economic Survey 2024–25, PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad stressed that with better policy planning, agricultural growth could have exceeded expectations. Instead, the government’s 2% growth target fell short, with actual growth reported at a mere 0.56%.
Jawad warned that if core agricultural issues are not addressed immediately, Pakistan risks an escalating economic crisis. He criticized the Ministry of Finance for being an “obstacle” to development, citing a lack of funding, strategy, and priority.
The PBF particularly highlighted a 19% decline in cotton ginning, underscoring how shrinking output in key crops is damaging the economy and rural livelihoods.
“Declining agricultural output poses a serious threat to the national economy,” the forum emphasized, calling for immediate reforms and emergency measures in the budget.
The call reflects growing concern from business stakeholders over neglect of Pakistan’s agricultural backbone, and it places pressure on the federal government to include robust sectoral support and reforms in the upcoming budget.
