Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the federal budget in the National Assembly on Sunday, claiming enforcement measures generated Rs800 billion in revenue recovery. He described the budget as a relief-oriented package aimed at economic stability and growth. The debate also saw strong opposition criticism over tax targets and rising inflation.
Tarar said the budget had received positive global recognition and urged critics not to undermine Pakistan’s economic progress. He stated that relief had been provided to salaried individuals, including exemption for those earning up to Rs50,000. He added that reduced tax rates were introduced for middle-income earners.
He highlighted reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue, saying structural changes had improved enforcement and transparency. Tarar claimed around Rs60 billion had been recovered from the sugar sector. He also said overall enforcement actions had resulted in Rs800 billion in total recovery.
The minister said inflation had dropped from 38 percent to single digits, while growth indicators were improving. He added that GDP growth had risen to around 3.7 percent and foreign reserves and remittances had increased. Tarar said export-oriented policies and housing schemes were designed to stimulate growth and employment.
However, opposition members raised concerns over fiscal targets and rising living costs. PPP lawmaker Hussain Tariq called the Rs6.9 trillion direct tax target unrealistic and warned of inflationary pressures, including a 54 percent rise in electricity costs. Other lawmakers criticized indirect taxation, energy prices, and regional disparities in development spending.