ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the government will give top priority to the well-being of the general public in the upcoming budget.
He has expressed these views during the meeting held with senior officials of the Finance Division and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on the upcoming budget at the Ministry of Finance. The finance secretary informed the minister that budget preparations are progressing smoothly according to the prescribed timeline.
He also apprised him about proposals for consideration in the budget for FY 2017-18. FBR Chairman Dr Muhammad Irshad also gave a presentation to the finance minister on tax measures envisaged in the next budget, including measures for improvement in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitation to taxpayers.
The minister urged close coordination and thorough preparations by all departments and ministries involved in budget-related events including the presentation of budget in the parliament and launching of the Economic Survey.
He said that, in line with the tradition of the last three years, the government is according top priority to the well-being of the general public in the upcoming budget. He said that the budget measures will be focused on employment generation and achieving higher, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The finance minister said the budget is being prepared after extensive consultations with all stakeholders including the business community, traders and chambers of commerce and industries, who have all provided valuable and constructive suggestions. He encouraged all concerned officials to continue putting in their best efforts to finalize all the arrangements in a timely manner.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials of FBR and Ministry of Finance also participated in the meetings.
