Daily Times

The recently announced budget by the government of Pakistan has proven to be highly effective, particularly in these challenging times. It brings great relief to employees across various grades, as a substantial ad-hoc relief allowance of 35% for grades 1 to 16 and 30% for grades 17 to 22 has been granted. Retired federal government employees will also benefit from a significant 17.5% increase in pensions. Additionally, allowances that were previously frozen have now been increased by an impressive 50%. Notably, journalists and artists will be provided with a health insurance card, further prioritizing their well-being. The removal of custom duty on imported raw materials used in the production of solar panels and batteries is a commendable move, as it promotes the use of renewable energy sources. The introduction of the diamond card policy for overseas Pakistanis who remit over $50,000 back to the country is a noteworthy step to encourage investment and strengthen the national economy. Furthermore, the youth scheme, featuring a budget of 10 billion, aims to provide loans to deserving young individuals through the PM Youth Loan Program. Education and social welfare have also received substantial attention in this budget. A budget of 10 billion has been allocated to distribute 100,000 laptops among deserving students, enabling them to access educational resources effectively. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has seen an increase to 450 billion, demonstrating the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation.

To cater to the needs of the underprivileged, a budget of 35 billion has been set aside for utility stores, ensuring access to essential commodities such as sugar and flour. In an effort to reduce the burden on consumers, the government has reduced the federal excise duty on telecom services and packages from 19.5% to 16%. Recognizing the impact of inflation on the general populace, the minimum wage has been raised to 30,000, providing relief to the working class. The government has also allocated 30 billion to convert 50,000 tube wells to solar power, promoting sustainable energy practices. To encourage agricultural development, taxes and duties on hybrid seed imports are proposed to be removed. Moreover, the government has decided against introducing new taxes on industries, fostering a favorable environment for business growth. The healthcare sector has been allocated a substantial budget of 24.2 billion, ensuring the provision of quality healthcare services to the population. Higher education has also received due attention, with 65 billion allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for current expenditure and an additional 70 billion for development expenditure. the recently announced budget showcases a commendable approach to addressing the challenges faced by Pakistan. Its emphasis on employee welfare, social development, education, poverty alleviation, and sustainable practices reflects the government’s commitment to the country’s overall growth and prosperity.