Shafaqna Pakistan: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday defended the federal budget for 2026–27 and invited opposition parties to support the signing of a Charter of Economy to help ensure sustainable economic stability and growth.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Tarar commended the government’s economic stewardship, stating that prudent policymaking had placed the country’s economy on a positive trajectory. He described the budget as people-centric and relief-oriented, pointing to the government’s decision to abolish the super tax after receiving approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The minister also highlighted progress in revenue generation and an increase in overseas remittances. He urged opposition parties to recognise the government’s accomplishments, including its diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East.
The federal budget, unveiled on June 12, contains a range of relief measures for salaried workers, businesses, the real estate sector, and exporters. While the government refrained from introducing major new taxes, it proposed taxation on income earned through social media platforms and introduced a fixed tax regime for small traders.
Responding during the session, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said his party was prepared to sign a Charter of Democracy focused on ensuring an independent judiciary and election commission. He rejected claims regarding PTI’s correspondence with the IMF, insisting that the party had not acted against Pakistan’s interests.
Qaiser argued that many budget proposals reflected IMF recommendations and criticized the government’s lack of support for the agricultural sector, claiming Punjab’s farmers could face losses of Rs2.2 trillion. He also alleged that dozens of companies had withdrawn investments from Pakistan.
The National Assembly’s debate on the FY2026-27 budget continued over the weekend, with lawmakers discussing both economic proposals and broader political issues. Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai also criticized the government’s decision to keep provincial development allocations unchanged.
Source: Dunya News
