By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday defended the federal budget for FY2026-27, describing it as a people-friendly package focused on economic relief, while urging opposition parties to support a Charter of Economy for long-term national stability.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Tarar said the government’s prudent economic policies had helped steer the country toward recovery and growth.
He highlighted the decision to abolish the super tax, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as a major relief measure for businesses and investors.
The minister pointed to improvements in revenue collection and overseas remittances, asserting that the government’s economic management had strengthened key indicators.
He also called on the opposition to acknowledge the government’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
The federal budget, presented on June 12, includes relief measures for salaried individuals, exporters, businesses, and the real estate sector.
While avoiding major new taxes, the government proposed levies on social media earnings and introduced a fixed tax regime for small traders.
Responding to the debate, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said his party was willing to sign a Charter of Democracy centered on ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the Election Commission. He rejected allegations regarding PTI’s communications with the IMF and maintained that the party had never acted against Pakistan’s interests.
Qaiser criticized the budget, arguing that several proposals reflected IMF recommendations and claiming the government had failed to adequately support the agriculture sector.
He warned that farmers in Punjab could face significant financial losses and alleged that multiple companies had withdrawn investments from the country.
The budget debate continued in the National Assembly over the weekend, with lawmakers discussing economic measures and broader political issues.
Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai also voiced concerns over the government’s decision to keep provincial development allocations unchanged.
