ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has discussed revamping of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) with Department for International Development (DFID) Director (West Asia) Pauline Hayes who was accompanied by British High Commissioner Philip Barton and DFID Pakistan Head Richard Montgomery.
During the meeting, Ishaq Dar said that the Credit Guarantee Scheme for small farmers was another step in the realm of social safety for the most deserving segments of the society, adding that the scheme would be announced next week.
The Minster also apprised Pauline on the current profile of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) whose budget allocation in FY 14-15 had risen to Rs97 billion compared to Rs40 billion under the previous government.
Dar said that the target of a million beneficiaries would be achieved by June 30. He added that the present government had already increased monthly stipend to Rs1500/- which was a 50% increase in two years.
The minister shared with the visiting dignitary, the measures aimed at enhancing tax revenue despite dip in the oil prices and other difficulties. He said the tax to GDP ratio had increased impressively under the present government and 16.4% growth in revenue was registered in FY 13-14. More than 12% growth had been achieved in the current financial year, the minister added.
