Prepared FY25 budget in consultation with IMF, PM Shehbaz tells NA

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday disclosed that the annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 had been prepared in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

"We are awaiting their response regarding the budget and will present it in the ongoing budget session tomorrow. We expect positive feedback," the premier said while responding to points raised by the opposition benches in the National Assembly this evening.

He said that the PML-N government had allocated ten per cent more budget and job quota to South Punjab as compared to its share on a population basis.

Sharif said 10 per cent more laptops were given to the students of South Punjab as well and a similar percentage was given to Chief Minister Punjab Rozgar Scheme than the rest of the Punjab. Similarly, the stipend for girls' students of South Punjab was enhanced from 200 rupees to 1000 rupees.

As regards infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister said the previous Punjab government led by him had constructed roads which were meant to be completed by the federal government.

Regarding austerity measures, Shehbaz Sharif said he has already abolished the Pakistan Public Works Department. He added that a committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding the downsizing and right-sizing of various departments. He said tangible findings of the committee will be laid before the House.

Talking about fertilizer rates, the Prime Minister said the nation will soon hear good news once a response comes from the International Monetary Fund.