ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously approved the federal budget for the next financial year 2023-24, amounting to Rs14,480 billion. The Finance Bill, presented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, received widespread support. However, the bill was further amended to include new taxes totaling Rs215 billion to secure International Monetary Fund (IMF) critical funding.
During the session, Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali of Jamaat-e-Islami proposed a motion to refer the Finance Bill to the Council of Islamic Ideology.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar opposed the motion, leading to its unanimous rejection by the National Assembly. Instead, the assembly decided to bring the finance bill under consideration and proceeded with the clause-wise approval of the bill.
Additionally, the National Assembly has approved an amendment to the Petroleum Development Levy Ordinance. The amendment, proposed by the Finance Minister, increases the limit of petroleum development levy from Rs50 to Rs60 per liter.
Another amendment proposed by Abdul Akbar Chitrali received favorable response. The amendment allows the heads of standing committees to use vehicles up to 1200 cc, instead of the previously designated range of 1300 to 1600 cc. The government did not oppose this amendment.
During the discussion on the budget, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the need for pension reforms, stating that these reforms should have been implemented long ago.
Federal Minister for Communications, Maulana Asad Mahmood, expressed concerns regarding the tax exemption promises made after the merger of FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas). He stated that the people of FATA were not consulted about their preferences before the merger. He also raised the issue of industrialists from FATA, who were initially granted tax exemption but are now being asked to pay taxes.
Maulana Asad Mahmood urged the Finance Minister to address these issues and emphasized the importance of visiting FATA to understand the aspirations of its people.
Highlighting the achievements of his ministry, Maulana Asad Mahmood noted that in the past year, 2,000 employees have been made permanent, and the postal services have overcome previous deficits. Despite existing challenges, efforts are underway to resolve the problems. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party considers the ministry a trust of the country.
Federal Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq appealed to the Speaker of the National Assembly to conclude the budget discussion, as some members needed to depart for Hajj (pilgrimage). He requested swift proceedings to allow members to leave for Hajj without delay.
The National Assembly continues to deliberate on the federal budget, with discussions centered on various aspects of the budget and its potential impact on the country.
