ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday invited opposition parties to join hands with the government by signing a Charter of Economy (CoE), while strongly defending the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 during proceedings in the National Assembly.
Tarar credited the government’s economic policies for what he described as significant improvements in key economic indicators. He said the country’s economy was moving in a positive direction due to prudent decision-making and consistent policy measures adopted by the government.
Calling the FY2026-27 budget a “people-friendly and relief-oriented” package, the minister highlighted several measures aimed at supporting different sectors of the economy.
He noted that the proposed abolition of the super tax, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would provide relief to businesses and investors.
He further stated that increases in revenue collection and foreign remittances reflected growing economic stability.
Tarar urged opposition parties to acknowledge the government’s positive initiatives, including its diplomatic efforts regarding peace in the Middle East.
He maintained that the country’s economic outlook had improved and that the government remained committed to sustaining economic growth.
The federal budget, presented on June 12, includes relief measures for salaried individuals, businesses, the real estate sector, and exporters. The government has focused largely on strengthening enforcement and compliance mechanisms rather than introducing major new taxes.
However, it has proposed taxation on social media earnings and introduced a fixed tax scheme for small traders and shopkeepers.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser said his party was prepared to sign a Charter of Democracy aimed at ensuring the independence of key institutions, including the Election Commission and the judiciary.
Qaiser also challenged some of the minister’s assertions, rejecting allegations that PTI had acted against national interests.
The PTI leader further noted that Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai had recently met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly continued its general debate on the FY2026-27 budget. Lawmakers from both government and opposition benches participated in lengthy discussions, with many speeches focusing on political and regional concerns alongside budget-related matters.
On the opening day of the debate, Achakzai criticized the government’s decision to freeze provincial development allocations.
