ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister (FM) Miftah Ismail has said statements given by opposition leader on increase in taxes run contrary to the facts as no new tax has been levied in the budget probably for the first time in the history of the country.
He said this while winding up budget debate in National Assembly (NA) here Tuesday.
He held that government had enhanced BSP budget three fold. Pakistan Bait ul Mal budget has been increased to Rs 10 billion.
He went on to say that ahead of introduction of tax reforms a salaried person drawing salary Rs 80000 per month was to pay tax Rs 65000 per year. This has now been reduced to Nil.
He maintained “ it has been said that imports have been scaled up and exports have been scaled down. The government has taken diverse steps to increase exports despite hard time. A considerable dip has been witnessed in enhancement in imports, he pointed out.
When we came to power the country was facing acute shortage of electricity, he said adding the incumbent government has tided over the matter of demand and supply of electricity during the period of five years to considerable extent.
It is fact in terms of electricity that revenue is not being received at what quantum electricity is being used, he remarked The power crisis was sorted out through acquisition of loans.
“We have decided to bring some amendments in the budget”, he observed. New export package will be announced within a few days, he added. Special steps are being taken for the industrialists and the persons associated with IT, he stated.
Government has decided to increase conveyance allowance for the government employees by 50 percent, he announced. It has also been decided to increase low cost residential projects, he added.