ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan on Wednesday said the government was planning to reduce taxes on industries and that the electricity tariff would be lowered soon.

Addressing a news conference, Mr Khan said that macroeconomic stability has largely been achieved and that the government’s focus was now on promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He emphasised that MSMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, playing a critical role in employment generation, production, and exports.

“The government has placed MSMEs at the centre of national development, with a clear priority to ensure that economic policies reach every district and every small business across the country,” the special assistant said.

Made in Pakistan expo to begin on 24th in Lahore

He highlighted that the capital value of an SME ranges between Rs30 million and Rs150m, but the core strength of our economy is with the micro enterprises, and we need to mainstream them.”

He highlighted that the main issues faced by MSMEs were a lack of access to financing, as banks do not provide loans to this segment, and a lack of information on marketing their products.

He said that the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) has been reorganised and its new head has been appointed.

The special assistant added that consultations with SME clusters nationwide have been completed, and a comprehensive SME policy has been formulated with representation from all provinces and regions.

The SAPM announced that the “Made in Pakistan SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026” will be held from Jan 24 to 26 at the Expo Centre Lahore.

He described the event as Pakistan’s national platform for small businesses, featuring over 30 SME cluster pavilions and participation from 174 representatives.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026