Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf  (PTI) government provided all possible relief to people in the federal budget by cutting taxes, duties, and tariff

In a video message on Saturday, he said that the hallmark of next year’s budget includes no new taxes, duties, and tariffs.

“Our effort is to improve the tax collection system by bringing reforms in the FBR,” said Shah Mehmood Qureshi. He also added that the government was trying to generate economic activity in the country by creating opportunities for people in the agriculture and construction sectors.

He said ample resources have been allocated in the federal budget for the agriculture and construction of water reservoirs. “Rs10 billion have been earmarked to cope with the challenge posed by locusts.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said despite the nefarious designs of India, we have not increased the defence budget.

“Armed forces have extended full cooperation to us keeping in view the current economic situation.”

Earlier, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety to the Prime Minister Sania Nishtar said that Rs 208 billion has been earmarked in the budget for the Ehsaas program.

She further stated that there are many programs running under Ehsaas Division and many new programs are being launched, including Ehsaas Nashonuma program.

Dr Sania Nishtar said the funds allocated for social protection are being utilized for deserving persons.

She said last year, 100 billion rupees were fixed for social protection, while an amount of 144 billion rupees was provided under Ehsaas Emergency Cash programs. 120 billion rupees were disbursed among poor families.