Former PML-N leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, who recently formed their own party, criticized the federal budget for lacking reforms and burdening the salaried class. They demanded the government to cut expenses, stop smuggling, and incentivize industrialists to increase exports.
They urged the government to review the budget, roll back punitive measures, and bring non-taxpayers into the tax net. Abbasi criticized the allocation of funds to MNAs for development schemes, calling it “senseless.”
Abbasi emphasized the need to increase exports and privatize loss-making entities. Ismail criticized the government for blaming the IMF for its policies, questioning actions like tax increases on agriculture and elite classes.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar responded to the criticism, stating that the government is working on a reform agenda to cut expenses. He mentioned measures like dissolving Pak-PWD and no cabinet member availing perks.
Despite differences in views, the focus remains on improving the economy and increasing reserves to $9 billion.
Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2024