Sunday , March 8 2026

Tag Archives: Finance Minister

Aurangzeb sees energy, interest rate cuts ahead

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said Pakistan’s agricultural sector has been brought under the tax net and renegotiated agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have led to lower electricity prices, with further relief expected in the coming days. He added that losses in the power sector …

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ECC approves key initiatives to boost economy and environment

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Friday approved a series of major initiatives across several key sectors, including industry, housing, telecommunications, and the environment. The decisions aim to drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and …

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Finance Minister chairs key meetings on tariff reforms

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today spearheaded crucial discussions on two key government initiatives: the ongoing implementation of the National Tariff Policy and the imminent launch of the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Program. These meetings underscore the government’s commitment to boosting economic competitiveness and promoting energy efficiency. …

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ECC approves over Rs 2.9 trillion in supplementary grants, new gas pricing structure

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Thursday approved major economic decisions including over Rs 2.9 trillion in Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs), a revised natural gas pricing structure for FY2025-26, and a landmark risk coverage scheme for small …

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Govt eyes urgent SOE reforms amid Rs 5.8 trillion losses with circular debt hits Rs 4.9 trillion

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for focused reforms and stronger governance across State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), as cumulative losses hit an alarming Rs 5.8 trillion and circular debt in the energy sector crosses Rs 4.9 trillion. Chairing a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned …

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Finance Minister outlines key reforms in budget speech

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: On Monday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb wrapped up the debate on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget during a session of the National Assembly. In his speech, he highlighted the government’s economic direction, key tax reforms, and public welfare initiatives. Aurangzeb told the House that the government has …

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Panel recommends ending FED on property sales

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has approved several key proposals aimed at improving tax compliance and regulating trade practices, including the abolition of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on property sales. The meeting, held at the Parliament House and chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, reviewed multiple budget-related …

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Another Indian’s attempt backfired to block IMF funding for Pakistan

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday revealed that India once again attempted to block International Monetary Fund (IMF) funding for Pakistan, but this effort was unsuccessful. The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, where the …

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Relief on Loans: FM unveils budget with caution and change

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb said that the government is currently providing relief by borrowing funds. He emphasized that moving forward, all decisions must be made within the government’s financial limits. “Due to the budget deficit, everything we are doing is based on loans,” he explained. Speaking …

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Budget 2025-26: Easing tax burden, targeting fuel & solar for revenue

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed significant fiscal measures in the Budget 2025–26, including a reduction in withholding tax on property purchases, meaningful relief for the salaried class, the introduction of a carbon levy on petroleum products, and the imposition of General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels …

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