‘Tarar’ claims Rs800 billion recovery, terms budget a relief measure

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday, defended the federal budget in the National Assembly and called it a relief-focused plan.

He said enforcement actions helped recover around Rs800 billion in revenue. He described the budget as the start of economic stability and growth in the country. Tarar said the budget had received positive attention internationally.

He added that economists, media groups, and opinion makers were appreciating it. He also asked the opposition not to weaken Pakistan image through negative remarks. Talking about salaried people, he said major tax relief has been given.

Income up to Rs50,000 is now tax-free. He added that those earning between Rs50,000 and Rs100,000 will only pay 1% tax. He said relief has also been extended to the middle class and professionals.

On tax reforms, Tarar said the FBR system has been improved through structural changes. He claimed that strict monitoring has reduced influence and unfair recommendations in postings and transfers. He also said new tax tribunals are working to improve recovery and fairness in cases involving tax disputes.

He said around Rs60 billion has been recovered from the sugar sector alone. Overall enforcement efforts contributed nearly Rs800 billion in additional revenue. He added that digital systems like faceless customs clearance have reduced delays and corruption at ports. These steps aim to make the system more transparent and efficient.

Tarar also said millions of retailers have been brought into the tax system through a fixed tax scheme. He said this step improves fairness and spreads the tax burden more evenly across businesses.

On housing, he said the government has introduced relief measures for small property buyers. He also highlighted the “Apna Ghar Scheme,” which offers loans of up to Rs10 million. He said this program will support housing, create jobs, and boost construction activity.

On exports, he said taxes have been reduced to support export growth. These include removal of advance tax and cuts in super tax and minimum tax for exporters. He also said sales tax on some services, including shipping, has been reduced to zero.

He added that Pakistan economy was once close to collapse, but the situation has improved. He said inflation has come down, growth has improved to around 3.7%, and foreign reserves have increased. Remittances and IT exports have also reached record levels.

He said the current account deficit has dropped sharply and macroeconomic stability is returning. He added that economic recovery came through policy decisions and coordination between institutions. He credited leadership and teamwork for the improvement.

Tarar said the budget supports farmers, workers, shopkeepers, retailers, and salaried people. He added that agriculture support includes lower duties on machinery. He said youth and farmers are also being given more opportunities.

In the National Assembly, he also stressed the importance of dialogue and restraint in politics. He said both government and opposition should maintain respect inside the house. He added that democratic traditions must be protected through cooperation.

Separately, PPP MNA Hussain Tariq said the revenue targets in the budget are too ambitious. He questioned how the Federal Board of Revenue would achieve a target of Rs15.264 trillion. He said indirect taxes remain a burden on ordinary people.

He also highlighted rising inflation and higher electricity costs. He said rising prices of essential goods are affecting low-income families. He added that high power bills are making daily life difficult for many citizens.

On agriculture, he said costs are increasing while profits remain limited for farmers. He stressed the need for better investment at the district level. He said economic planning should focus on employment and long-term stability.