Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar asserted that the upcoming financial year’s budget is designed to provide relief and meet the needs of all societal segments during a session of the National Assembly focused on budget discussions.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Information Minister highlighted that the budget has been well-received by economists and opinion leaders. He encouraged constructive feedback from the opposition while urging acknowledgment of the positive measures included in the budget. Tarar emphasized the government’s efforts in achieving macroeconomic stability, crediting the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for their roles in this achievement. He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic future, stating that the economy is on a growth trajectory.

Significant relief has been allocated to the salaried class, with no tax imposed on earnings up to fifty thousand rupees, and a one percent tax rate for those earning between fifty thousand and one hundred thousand rupees per month. Tarar also mentioned that the budget includes benefits for exporters and the construction sector, as well as the Apna Ghar Scheme, which are expected to stimulate economic activity and job creation.

During the debate, various members raised concerns and suggestions. Haji Jamal Shah Kakar advocated for prioritizing Balochistan’s development, while Shahid Ahmed highlighted the impact of inflation on low-income groups and the importance of peace for tourism. Syed Hussain Tariq called for policy measures to tackle unemployment and modernizing agriculture with new technology. Asad Qaiser proposed relief for farmers amidst inflation, and Sharmila Faruqui criticized the budget’s lack of concrete provisions for youth and voiced concerns about energy sector debt.

Amir Dogar requested a reduction in the petroleum levy to aid the common man and suggested increasing allocations for water reservoir construction. Shahida Begum urged a reduction in GST to alleviate poverty. Syed Waseem Hussain pointed out Karachi’s challenges, prompting Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal to respond with updates on infrastructure projects like the Hyderabad-Sukkur motorway and the K-4 project, as well as federal grants for a university in Hyderabad.