Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has officially refuted claims regarding the disbursement of 500 billion rupees among legislators for development projects, addressing misconceptions during a news conference in Islamabad.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Tarar responded to allegations made by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ex-finance minister Miftah Ismail, stating that the total Public Sector Development Programme budget is 1,500 billion rupees and vehemently denying any plans to allocate 500 billion rupees specifically to members of the national and provincial assemblies. He criticized the opposition for propagating exaggerated figures based on misinformation.

During his address, Tarar also outlined several government reforms aimed at reducing expenditures, including the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department and the imminent privatization of Pakistan International Airlines. He announced significant structural changes, such as merging the Anti-Narcotics and Culture divisions into other ministries, which he claimed would yield substantial savings.

Furthermore, Tarar highlighted ongoing digitization efforts within the Federal Board of Revenue, supported by the Karandaaz initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to enhance efficiency and close tax loopholes without incurring government expenses. He also detailed various tax measures and exemptions, particularly emphasizing that no new taxes were imposed on essential items like solar panels and medical equipment.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister presented data indicating economic improvements, such as a reduced trade deficit and rising foreign exchange reserves, attributing these positive trends to the government’s current fiscal policies. He firmly dismissed the necessity for early elections, reiterating that the general elections would proceed as scheduled in 2029.