Federal Government to present Budget on April 27 2018

ISLAMABAD : State Minister for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan on Sunday said the PML-N government would present its fifth federal budget 2018 on April 27 which will not only be people-friendly but will also provide the maximum relief to the masses.

The government is drafting a populist budget in which it may introduce drastic increases in salaries, pensions, subsidies for farmers, incentives for housing schemes, increased funding for railways, BISP, and other programs of public interests.

According to reliable sources, the government is going to announce another lavish agricultural package for the farmers involving incentives worth billions of rupees. Besides, the PM package for exporters would also be expended in the next budget. The government may also accept demands of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) which included decreases in electricity surcharges, zero rating for electricity for power looms sector, zero rating of packaging material, payment of custom duty drawbacks, pending liabilities of textile policy 2014-19 and 2009-14, uniformity of gas prices etc.

Addressing a reception hosted by Markazi Ulema Council (MUC) at Ghulam Muhammad Abad here, he said the PML-N government had completed record development projects during its tenure which had improved the living standard of people by providing all basic amenities at their doorsteps.

He said when the PML-N came to power, the country was facing various crises. However, the government had overcome all these crises and put the country on road to progress and prosperity.

The PML-N government had also increased development fund up to three folds besides doubling the ratio of tax collection, he said and vowed to continue struggle for the masses’ service and welfare in future if people voted and supported the PML-N in the next general elections.

Speaking on the occasion, Sahibzada Zahid Mehmood Qasmi, MUC Chairman, announced to support Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan during the general elections 2018 from NA-108.

He said the MUC had also decided to organise seminars to create awareness among people about sanctity of vote and motivate them to cost their vote in favour of only those candidates who will protect Islamic laws.

Vice Chairman MUC Pir Jee Khalid Mehmood Qasmi, Secretary Information MUC Hafiz Muhammad Tayyab Qasmi, Divisional President MUC Qari Ismatullah Muavia, General Secretary Maulana Abid Farooqi, Mufti Hifzur Rehman Benoori, Maulana Rabnawaz, Maulana Yousuf Farooqi, Maulana Muhammad Amjad, Hafiz Maqbool Ahmad and others were also present. -APP