Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said the federal budget 2026-27 will play a pivotal role in taking forward the country's economic growth.  

Accompanied by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, he was addressing post budget news conference in Islamabad today.

The Finance Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive response to the budget from various quarters, saying it reflects growing confidence that the country is on the path to economic development. He said an utmost effort has been made to use the available fiscal space for the growth.

He said the budget includes measures aimed at providing an enabling environment for export led growth. In this regard, he mentioned the decisions with regard to the super tax and advance tax. He said Export Refinance Scheme has been expanded in order to ensure the finances remain available to the exporters at four point five percent.

Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government remains committed to reducing the cost of intermediate goods and raw materials to enhance the competitiveness of the country's exports.

Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government is focusing on the agriculture sector.  He mentioned that agri financing has crossed two trillion rupees while custom duties, additional custom duties and regulatory duties have been abolished on the import of agri equipment and machinery to promote mechanization and enhance productivity in the sector.

The Finance Minister also mentioned the tax relief given to the salaried class as well as the construction sector.

Regarding efforts to deepen and broaden the tax net, the Finance Minister said we are moving towards automation and the use of artificial intelligence to minimize human intervention and enhance transparency and efficiency in tax administration.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attullah Tarar said the budget for next financial year is all inclusive and relief oriented. He said the Prime Minister has fulfilled the promise of providing relief to different segments of the society. He said the budget provides the path towards growth.  He said the world recognizes the macro-economic stability achieved by the country. He said reforms in the FBR are historic and unprecedented.

The Information Minister said special funds have been allocated in the development budget for educational institutions located in underdeveloped areas across the country.

Terming the budget as pro people, the Minister of State for Finance said it is the budget of salaried class, industrialists, exporters and construction sector.

Responding to a question, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb clarified that no increase has been made in the petroleum levy.

Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal said that ad hoc relief allowances of 2022 and 2025 have been merged into the basic pay. He further clarified that seven percent raise in salaries will be given after the merger of two ad hoc relief allowances.