ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP):The Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenues and Economic Affairs Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Wednesday said that despite the fiscal constraints the government has not compromised on the strengthening the social safety net and developmental expenditures.
The adviser expressed these views while addressing the post budget press conference here at Planning commission along with Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Khusro Bakhtyar, Federal Minister for power and petroleum division Omar Ayub Khan, Minister of state for Revenue Hammad Azhar and Chairman FBR Shabbar zaidi.
At the outset the adviser further added that the incumbent government is committed at micro-economic stability and development of the country and beside all the difficulties we have almost doubled the amount of social security schemes.
He added that the development of infrastructure was vital for human development, social prosperity, adding that investment on developmental projects also create new job opportunities for labor force.
He informed that government had allocated an amount of Rs 950 billion for the development program as against the last year expenditures of Rs 550 billion.
Besides an amount of Rs 191 billion was also allocated for social safety program, provision of health cards, insurance schemes and for the support of poor and vulnerable segments particularly women.
The Advisor said that special funds were allocated for the under developed areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and newly merged districts of Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
The adviser further added that the distinction of returns filer and no-filer was being abolished in the Federal Budget 2019-20 to meet the much-desired expansion in the tax-base.
Speaking at the post-budget press conference, he said now it would not be possible for someone to remain non-filer as after purchasing any vehicle or property, it would be mandatory for him/her to file returns within 45 days.
Source: VNS Islamabad
