Pakistan, June 14 -- While welcoming several measures announced in the federal budget for FY2026-27, the Multan Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry has urged the government to establish a tax-free zone in South Punjab and set up a Small Industrial Estate in Multan to promote economic activity, industrialization and employment in the region, here on Saturday.

Reacting to the budget, Senior Vice President (VP), Sheikh Mehboob Elahi termed the budget "largely balanced" but said there was considerable room for improvement. He expressed disappointment over the government's decision not to reduce petroleum prices despite favourable international market conditions, arguing that elevated fuel costs continued to burden small traders as we...