Info Minister Tarar Urges Opposition Cooperation on Economy Charter While Defending FY27 Budget Proposals]
ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday called on opposition parties to collaborate on a Charter of Economy and defended the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 during proceedings in the National Assembly.
Tarar highlighted government achievements in economic policy, describing the budget as a relief-oriented measure benefiting all citizens. He noted the abolition of super tax, increased revenue collections, and elevated foreign remittances as key accomplishments.
Emphasizing national stability, Tarar pointed to the government’s peaceful foreign policy initiatives and asserted that Pakistan’s economy is now on the correct trajectory.
The government presented the FY27 budget on June 12, featuring relief measures targeting salaried individuals, corporate entities, real estate stakeholders, and export-oriented businesses. The budget emphasizes enforcement mechanisms over new taxation, while introducing levies on social media income and implementing a fixed tax framework for small traders and shopkeepers.
During the budget discussion, PTI leader Asad Qaiser responded to government statements, expressing willingness to sign a Charter of Democracy contingent upon establishment of an independent election commission and judiciary. Qaiser contested the information minister’s portrayal of events, referencing a letter sent to the IMF and criticizing agricultural sector omissions that he claimed would result in Rs2.2 trillion losses for Punjab farmers.
Qaiser further alleged that 90 companies have withdrawn investments from Pakistan. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following their respective contributions to the assembly debate.
The National Assembly commenced formal deliberations on the FY27 budget on Saturday, with most lawmakers focusing on political and constituency-specific concerns rather than detailed fiscal proposals. Achakzai publicly criticized the government’s decision to suspend development fund allocations to provincial governments during the current fiscal cycle.
