Shah criticises “not a people friendly budget”

Published June 12, 2013
Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). – File Photo
Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Wednesday criticised increase in sales tax and termed the budget “not a people friendly budget.”

Speaking to media representatives after announcement of the federal budget 2013-14, he said that increase in sales tax would affects not only the poor man living in the villages, but also in the cities.

Shah said that salaries of government employees should have been increased in the budget. He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government should fulfill promises it had made during election campaign.

The PPP leader added that they will also protest against changing the name of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to Pakistan Income Support Programme (PISP). He said that they will put political and public pressure on the government to not change name of the scheme.

Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Farooq Sattar also assailed the PML-N government for increasing sales tax and not introducing agriculture tax. He said the budget was for feudal land lords and not for the masses.

Opinion

The Dar story continues

The Dar story continues

One wonders what the rationale was for the foreign minister — a highly demanding, full-time job — being assigned various other political responsibilities.

Editorial

Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.
All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...