Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says the salaried class has been facilitated in the budget by a percentage-wise and clear reduction in taxes.
Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly on Saturday, he said revolutionary steps have been taken for economic growth and welfare of the people.
Responding to Opposition’s criticism, the Minister said health, education and law and order are provincial subjects.
He asked the opposition why health and education facilities could still not be improved in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where they are in power for last ten years.
The Minister said conversely, Punjab has a higher literacy rate with state of the art health and education facilities.
About the reforms in FBR, he said this has been done to tighten noose around tax-evaders’ mafia.
Attaullah Tarar said a faceless, automated appraisement system has been introduced at Karachi port to curb corruption. The system has also helped reduce clearance time of containers.
He said FBR is moving to minimal human intervention by introducing technological and software interventions.
About the agriculture sector, the Minister said no new tax has been imposed on fertilizers by the federal government, now it is duty of provinces to play role in development of agriculture.
He called on the opposition to join hands with the government as the economy moves from stability to growth.
Speaking about the regional situation, the Minister said Pakistan’s role for de-escalation and peace in the region is widely recognized by the whole world.
He said amidst Israeli aggression against Iran, the way Pakistan championed Iran’s case in the UN Security Council is commendable.
The Minister said Pakistan never has nor will forget the innocent Palestinian brethren and has always raised voice for their just cause at every international forum.
He said there is complete consensus on Palestine issue among all political parties in Pakistan.
