Tarar calls FY2027 federal budget 'relief-oriented' amid criticism

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday described the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year as relief-oriented, while dismissing criticism from some quarters as opposition for its own sake.

Speaking to the media alongside State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Tarar said the budget had been framed to provide relief. He also said some segments were objecting without constructive grounds.

Referring to the country’s recent economic situation, the minister said Pakistan had faced a period when, according to him, it was close to default and its macroeconomic indicators had fallen sharply. He linked his remarks to the government’s handling of the economy and the criticism now being directed at the budget.

Tarar further alleged that some government officials had distanced themselves at that time because they did not want the country to default during their tenure.

"When Pakistan was on the brink of default…our macroeconomic indicators were at their lowest," he said while speaking to reporters.