ISLAMABAD: Criticising the federal government, the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) has said the national interests were ignored in the budget as it was just to please the upper class.
PEW President Dr Murtaza Mughal said that this year, the budget was not different from the last three budgets presented by the incumbent government, which only added to the frustration of people and business community.
In a statement, he said that despite tall claims, the budget would result in nothing but inflation and unemployment, which would add to uncertainty. He said that the government increased petrol prices just five days before the budget, setting a record of twenty-five mini budgets in the last three years.
He said that burdening the business community would trigger the flight of capital and industry, increase unemployment and deficit. He said the only duty of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) seems to bleed the people white to provide funds for the princely living of the rulers, as the expenses of Prime Minister and President House continue to rise by 10% annually.
“Ten years ago, the expenses of ministers, advisors and special assistants were Rs 240 million which is now Rs20 billion. Pakistan’s total debt is equal to 65% of the GDP, which eats up 68% of the whole tax collection, leading the country on path of economic suicide,” he added.
