ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 in the National Assembly today, calling it a “historic moment” for Pakistan amid economic recovery and recent geopolitical tensions.
Speaking during the budget session chaired by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for their support in finalizing the budget.
He praised the nation’s unity during recent tensions with India, stating, “The entire nation stood together, and our military and political leadership successfully handled the war-like situation, elevating Pakistan’s global standing.”
Aurangzeb highlighted economic stabilization through structural reforms, noting a decline in inflation and $36 billion in remittances over 10 months. However, he stressed the need to raise Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% to 14%, emphasizing FBR reforms to broaden the tax base.