Karachi (Staff Report): Finance Minister Asad Umar on Saturday said that the government will present the mini-budget on January 23.
During a meeting with industrialists at Karachi Chamber of Commerce, the finance minister said that the budget was to be presented on January 21 but was delayed due to travelling of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Asad Umar said that reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are being undertaken and its powers have been devolved to lower level. He said that FBR's powers of issuing SRO have been slashed.
The finance minister said that that any change in current tax structure could only be carried out through parliament.
Asad said the government is striving to create conducive environment for encouraging ease of doing business and attracting foreign investment to uplift the economy.
He said economy is a core component of our foreign policy and we are committed to promote trade and investment in the best interest of the country.
The minister said uplift of the country's economy will also increase employment opportunities in the country.
Asad Umar said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is bringing such type of economy which will uplift the living standard of downtrodden segment of the society through removing all the hurdles in their lives.
The minister said Pakistan is desirous of cordial relations with all countries of the region including India and there is need to resolve all the issues between the two countries through dialogue.
He said Pakistan also wants to increase trade ties with India in the best interest of the both countries.
During the meeting, industrialists expressed reservations over powers given to low cadre FBR officers.
This is pertinent to mention here that this would be the second such budget introduced by the PTI government since it came to power after the general elections in July 2018.
