Hopes collective struggle of βteam Pakistanβ will place the country among the βdeveloped worldβ; Info minister calls budget "positive and relief-oriented".
Proposes increase in Abiana, token tax, agri income tax, abolition of cotton fee; various fine amounts, service charges hiked, electronic payment of property tax made mandatory.
Stresses the importance of broadening the tax base, improving compliance, plugging revenue leakages, and leveraging technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in tax collection.
PSDP utilisation from July 2025 to May 2026 stands at Rs529.8bn, against Rs1.01tr allocation; govt cuts development outlay by Rs173bn to finance fuel subsidies after Mideast conflict pushed up oil prices.
The proposed hike in salaries of Punjab government employees is expected to be in line with raise announced by the Centre; Balochistan Assembly to hold budget session tomorrow.
Pakistan has been paying its credit card bill with a new credit card for 25 years. This budget is the first time in a generation we are actually paying it downβbut we haven't cut up the card.
The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
For the equity market, the budget is positive as it avoids surprise tax measures and provides targeted support through lower taxes, reduced transaction costs, and duties.