Finance Minister Briefs U.S. Ambassador on Key Reforms
Key Financial Reforms and Historic Service Bill Passage Highlight Recent Developments in Pakistan’s Government
Federal Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing broad-based reforms in taxation, energy, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). He emphasized the goal of raising Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio to **13.5%** by addressing leakages and bringing untaxed sectors into the tax net.
During a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome at the Finance Division, the Minister discussed mutual interests and bilateral cooperation. He highlighted that the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved a comprehensive transformation plan for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and has brought in experts for the Board of PRAL (the IT arm of FBR).
Senator Aurangzeb described the macroeconomic reforms as a “work in progress” and pointed out significant challenges such as climate change and child stunting, which threaten to perpetuate inequalities and hinder economic growth and stability in Pakistan. He expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to build climate resilience through adaptation reforms and to combat malnutrition with the technical and financial support of development partners.
Ambassador Blome commended Pakistan’s efforts to improve macroeconomic stability and praised the government for initiating bold reforms, particularly in taxation and energy. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in technical and development initiatives and promoting high-quality U.S. investment to foster Pakistan’s economic growth.
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National Assembly Speaker Congratulates Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Historic Service Bill
Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, congratulated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly on the unanimous passage of the **”Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly Secretariat Employees Terms and Conditions of Service Bill 2024.”** He termed this bill a significant milestone in the legislative history of the province, fulfilling fifty years of parliamentary aspirations.
In a letter to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq remarked that this day marks a significant achievement for the provincial assembly, transforming long-held dreams of parliamentary supremacy into reality and operationalizing Article 127 (in conjunction with Article 87) of the Constitution of Pakistan. He expressed deep appreciation for the passage of the bill and acknowledged the National Assembly’s role in drafting this pivotal legislation.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that cooperation between the legislatures symbolizes the strength and unity of Pakistan’s federation. He pledged continued support to the Provincial Assembly in future endeavors, highlighting that such collaboration is foundational to democratic values.
He extended his sincere wishes to the members and officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly, hoping they continue to serve their constituencies with dedication and in alignment with the principles laid out in the Constitution of Pakistan.
