PM Shehbaz lauds economic team for presenting people-friendly budget

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government's resolve to ensure that the benefits of Pakistan’s improving economic outlook reach people from all walks of life.

Chairing a meeting of the government's economic team in Islamabad, the prime minister praised officials for their efforts in preparing and presenting the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

He said the budget had been designed in line with the government's commitment to provide relief to the salaried class, businesses and the wider public, adding that every possible effort was made to address the concerns of different segments of society.

The prime minister appreciated the contributions of the economic team, particularly the Ministry of Finance, for formulating a budget that balances economic priorities with measures aimed at supporting citizens and encouraging business activity.

He also acknowledged the role played by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani, the Finance Secretary, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other members of the government team involved in the budget process.

During the meeting, participants noted that despite fiscal constraints, the government had succeeded in incorporating significant relief measures for the public in the budget.

Members of the economic team thanked the prime minister for his active involvement throughout the budget-making process.

They highlighted his engagement with stakeholders, guidance on public relief measures and consultations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to create fiscal space for supporting citizens.

The participants said extensive consultations were held with representatives from various sectors of society under the prime minister’s direction to ensure the budget remained balanced, inclusive and responsive to public needs, particularly those of lower-income groups.

The economic team reiterated its commitment to continue working under the prime minister’s leadership to promote economic growth, national development and prosperity across the country.