ISLAMABAD: With certain amendments, the NA has passed the tax-laden budget 2024-25 (having a total outlay of Rs.18877B outlay) ahead of IMF talks.

It has been estimated that the gross revenue receipts will be Rs.17815B; in the finance bill the growth rate has been expected to be 3.6% whereas, inflation is expected to be 12%; the budget deficit will be 5.9% of GDP.

For the first time in history the budget for development is Rs.1500B. Cynics go haywire wondering why no development is ever seen despite allocation of these mammoth billions? Similarly despite augmentation of minimum salary ceiling how many people get that kind of money.

Exemptions will be provided to education, health, fertilizers and pesticides. Though salaries have been increased for government servants, the augmentation on taxation will nullify the benefit.

Newspakistan.tv