ISLAMABAD: Government summoned session of National Assembly today after President Arif Alvi refused to approve ordinance regarding imposition of new taxes.

Meeting of Cabinet was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in which country’s economic and political situation came under discussion. Meeting also held consultation on ordinance related to mini-budget. Cabinet decided not to bring mini-budget ordinance.

Finance bill will be presented in National Assembly and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will brief House regarding bill. Mini-budget will be presented in Senate today after passage from Lower House of Parliament.

In this regard, Senate session has also been called in chairmanship of Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Finance bill has proposed imposing taxes worth Rs 170 billion, while Cabinet has already approved financial bill to impose new taxes.

Earlier President Arif Alvi held meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in which latter briefed head of state on ongoing dialogue with International Monetary Fund.

Dr Alvi asked financial czar to take Parliament in confidence regarding budgetary recommendations. He asked Dar to immediately summon Parliament session to pass bill at earliest.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 15 2023

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