ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said mini budget will come to levy new taxes of Rs 170 billion. “Everything has been settled with IMF delegation mutually. Under these talks new taxes of Rs 170 billon will have to be imposed. It is our endeavour no such tax is imposed which becomes burden for common man. Mini budget will have to be brought for slapping new taxes. Addressing press conference here after return of IMF delegation from Pakistan he indicated that draft of MEFP has been received after talks with IMF. Now virtual meeting will take place on Monday wherein we will take ahead things.

We have to complete programme of Rs 170 billon this financial year. He claimed this is such programme of which Imran Khan had signed agreement. This is an old agreement which remained deferred for some times. We are fully striving to fulfill this agreement.

Our talks with IMF mission continued for 10 days. We talked and exchanged views on power sector, financial sector and other important sectors.

We will curtail targeted subsidies. Gas circular debt has to be reduced to zero level.

Petroleum development levy commitment with IMF has been fulfilled. We have cross limit of Rs 50 on petrol. We have completed commitment of Rs 40 on diesel. We will fulfill remaining commitment of Rs 10 in ratio of Rs 5 each.

It has been decided in respect of Benazir Income Support Programme that it will be increased from Rs 360 billion to Rs 400 billion, he pointed out.

We have agreed on point that there will be no Sales Tax on petrol. As far as GST is concerned it is included in Rs 170 billion taxes.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 11 2023

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