ISLAMABAD: Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar has categorically dispelled the impression that the incumbent government has any plan to introduce a mini-budget.
Talking to a private news channel, the minister said sugarcane and other crops were damaged due to issues pertaining to climate change. “This was one of the major reasons behind recent food inflation.”
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However, he said, the government has made comprehensive efforts to overcome the challenges.
The minister admitted that there was a need to review the policy on sugar.
“The government is well-aware of the problems being confronted by the people due to price hike, but it has taken tangible steps against hoarding and mafias,” he maintained.
Earlier on Wednesday, a private media outlet had reported that Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have discussed additional tax measures for the mini-budget amid questions over realism of the revenue potential due to lower-than-expected receipts against Rs735 billion budgetary measures.
As per the report, FBR authorities were resisting the IMF demand for a mini-budget and were looking for a steep cut of nearly Rs800 billion in its original target of Rs5.5 trillion.
