ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Sunday that the government is considering measures to reduce the financial burden on the salaried class in the forthcoming budget.
The Finance Minister’s comments followed a protest by thousands of government employees in Islamabad, who demanded the reversal of pension reforms and an increase in pay and allowances.
Speaking with journalists in Lahore, the finance minister pointed out positive economic trends, such as the growth in the number of remittance senders, now reaching 35 million, and the rise in Roshan Digital Account inflows.
Aurangzeb also stressed the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the country’s economic growth, noting that foreign exchange reserves were steadily increasing, according to Radio Pakistan.
The minister also expressed his commitment to supporting the construction industry while ensuring no gambling activities in the real estate business.
A day earlier, he said that the government’s move to enhance the tax base reduced the burden on the national treasury.
Speaking in Faisalabad, Aurangzeb assured that Pakistan’s economy is on the path to recovery, propelled by crucial reforms.
He highlighted that the reduced policy rate has been advantageous for business owners and that ongoing measures for economic stability are delivering positive outcomes.
Aurangzeb also emphasised that inflation has dropped to single digits, offering relief to the public.
The finance minister pointed out that recent tax reforms have significantly boosted revenue collection.
In response to concerns about seeking help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he stressed that sustainable governance cannot rely on aid alone, underscoring the need for a robust economic framework.
Aurangzeb further underscored the need for public-private sector collaboration to drive economic growth, adding that working together is crucial for long-term progress.
