Tarar announces tax relief, defends budget as “pro-people” plan

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that citizens earning up to Rs50,000 per month will not be charged any income tax. He added that those

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that citizens earning up to Rs50,000 per month will not be charged any income tax. He added that those earning between Rs50,000 and Rs100,000 will pay only one percent tax under the new budget measures.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Parliament House. He said the government has provided relief to the business community and has also abolished the super tax. According to him, shopkeepers have been included in the tax net after consultation with stakeholders.

Tarar described the federal budget as a relief-oriented plan. He said it focuses on workers, women, low-income groups, and the business sector. He claimed that the government has tried to balance economic stability with public relief measures.

Responding to criticism from Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the party is a “brotherly” political force. He questioned how a better budget could be prepared under current economic conditions. He suggested that if Jamaat-e-Islami has objections, it should present a shadow budget, and assured that their concerns would be conveyed to the Prime Minister.

On the issue of Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, he said any decision regarding their timing should be taken after consultation with all political parties. He added that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz holds the mandate in AJK and the final stance will reflect collective political input.

He also said that Pakistan has received positive recognition regarding developments in the US-Iran situation. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts, saying their role has been widely appreciated at the international level.