Islamabad: The government has unveiled a budget for the financial year 2026-27 that emphasizes relief, development, and prosperity, according to Attaullah Tarar, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He made these remarks during an online briefing to social media influencers, alongside Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani.

According to Radio Pakistan, Attaullah Tarar highlighted that the new budget marks a departure from previous fiscal plans, with some opposition members even expressing approval. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal efforts in negotiating with the International Monetary Fund as pivotal in achieving economic stability. The Prime Minister has consistently advocated for providing relief to citizens, even creating the necessary fiscal space to do so.

The Minister outlined several governmental achievements, including reforms to the Federal Board of Revenue, integration of the tax system, and expansion of the tax net. He emphasized that the government’s aim was to ensure that the tax burden does not fall on compliant taxpayers, aligning with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision.

Addressing the risks of default, Tarar stated that successful negotiations with the IMF in Paris were crucial. The government tackled tax leakages in sectors such as sugar, cement, and tobacco, collecting 800 billion rupees in taxes through enforcement last year. Additionally, 60 billion rupees in taxes were collected from sugar mills due to reforms, and illegal trade was curtailed through raids.

The budget allocates 90 billion rupees for the Apna Ghar program, part of initiatives targeting the housing sector. Tarar praised the continuous efforts of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other stakeholders for their contributions to economic stability.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani echoed these sentiments, labeling the budget as people-friendly and focused on relief. He noted that the budget would benefit exporters, industries, and vulnerable segments of society. New tribunals have been established to address tax issues and increase revenue.

Responding to questions, Kayani clarified that education and health are provincial responsibilities, and federal allocations should be considered alongside provincial funding. During the briefing, both ministers addressed various inquiries from social media influencers.