*Policy Continuity and Fiscal Discipline Essential for Sustainable Economic Growth: Saif ur Rehman*

*Lahore, October 18:* Saif ur Rehman, Coordinator to the Federal Tax Ombudsman, has said that Pakistan is moving beyond the phase of managing economic crises towards sustainable economic growth. However, he stressed that policy continuity, strict fiscal discipline, and effective implementation are essential for ensuring long-term economic stability.

Speaking to a delegation of traders, Saif ur Rehman said a consistent and reliable economic framework was necessary to translate efforts aimed at economic stabilisation into sustainable growth, increased productivity, and renewed investor confidence.

He said frequent changes in policies create uncertainty among the business community and investors, adversely affecting industrial expansion, employment opportunities, and export competitiveness. He added that effective governance, transparency, and consistent policy implementation could help restore business confidence.

Saif ur Rehman said broadening the tax base, improving tax compliance, and curbing tax evasion were essential to increasing national revenue and reducing pressure on public finances. He said a simple, efficient, and less complicated tax system could encourage voluntary tax compliance while ensuring a level playing field for businesses.

He also emphasised the need to promote small and medium-sized enterprises, encourage investment, facilitate trade, and support export-oriented industries.

He said close coordination and effective cooperation among government institutions, policymakers, and the business community were essential to achieving sustainable economic growth.