ISLAMABAD: The federal government is working on a mini-budget including some tough measures like imposing a “flood levy” and increasing duty on petroleum products.
The “economic roadmap” was shared with the National Security Committee (NSC) Monday after the body took “major decisions” to revive the economy and provide relief to the people.
The NSC, which held two sessions on Friday and Monday deliberating the country’s economic and security situation, underscored that comprehensive “national security” revolves around economic security and that sovereignty or dignity comes under stress without self-sufficiency and economic independence.
The forum undertook a comprehensive view of the ongoing economic situation vis-à-vis challenges being faced by the common people of Pakistan, particularly the lower and middle-income classes.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the NSC about the economic stability roadmap of the government including the status of discussions with international financial institutions, exploring other financial avenues based on mutual interests as well as relief measures for common people.
In a separate statement Monday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the NSC took some major decisions after hours-long deliberations.
“Two of them stand out: State of Pakistan will adopt zero tolerance policy for terrorists challenging its writ. Peace is non-negotiable. Two, the economic roadmap will revive the economy and provide relief to the people.”
