Senate panel raises concern over export taxes, brain drain, regulatory hurdles

Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on Tuesday raised concerns over taxation on exports, regulatory hurdles for industrial establishment, absence of long-term economic policies and increasing migration of skilled workers.

The committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Shahadat Awan to review a resolution urging the government to take measures to address unemployment and to examine the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposals of the Planning Ministry for the fiscal year 2026–27.

Members said exporters were facing heavy taxation while businesses were required to obtain multiple regulatory NoCs to set up industries. They recommended introducing a unified NoC system for industrial projects, improving the business environment and ensuring policy continuity to support export-led growth and employment generation.

The committee also expressed concern over the absence of the federal planning minister from the meeting and stressed that the minister should attend standing committee sessions to facilitate parliamentary oversight.

Discussion on a motion regarding the exit of multiple companies from Pakistan and its possible impact on foreign direct investment was deferred at the request of the mover. The meeting was attended by several members of the Senate, while one senator participated through an online link.