Islamabad: The Ministry of Finance has rejected media reports claiming that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had taken control of the federal budget-making process. According to Beyond Time News, the ministry described the reports as “misleading” and “factually incorrect.”
The clarification came after reports suggested that the government had shifted responsibility for preparing the upcoming federal budget away from the Finance Division.
Ministry Rejects Claims of Budget ‘Handover’
A recent media report claimed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee led by Ishaq Dar to review tax proposals for the next budget.
The report also suggested that the move effectively handed budget-making authority to Dar and reduced the role of the Finance Ministry.
However, the ministry strongly denied those claims and stated that the committee only serves as a consultative body for reviewing tax policy proposals.
According to Beyond Time News, officials stressed that such committees are common in government decision-making, especially for important economic matters.
Finance Ministry Says Budget Process Remains Unchanged
The ministry clarified that the Finance Division continues to handle all major budget responsibilities, including fiscal planning, macroeconomic policy, and coordination with international financial institutions.
Officials stated that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb remains fully responsible for leading the country’s economic and budget-related matters.
The statement added that Aurangzeb continues to manage Pakistan’s discussions with the International Monetary Fund and other global financial organisations.
PM Has Authority to Seek Broader Input
The Finance Ministry explained that the prime minister has the constitutional authority to consult cabinet members on economic and tax matters before finalising the budget.
Officials said the review committee was created to analyse tax proposals that could affect inflation, businesses, investment, and the wider economy.
The ministry also rejected suggestions of any internal disagreement within the government regarding budget preparation.
Read more:PM Transfers Budget Authority to Ishaq Dar, Sidelining Finance Minister
Committee Reviews Tax Proposals for Upcoming Budget
Later in the day, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the newly formed committee to discuss tax policy proposals for the upcoming budget.
According to Beyond Time News, the committee reviewed different recommendations and focused on balanced measures aimed at supporting economic growth.
Officials discussed plans to expand the tax base, improve revenue collection, and encourage investment while protecting regular taxpayers from additional financial pressure.
Government Focuses on Economic Stability
The ministry said the federal budget remains a collective constitutional process led by the prime minister with the Finance Ministry playing its central role.
Officials also urged media organisations to avoid speculative reporting and present government processes with accuracy and proper context.
The government is expected to finalise the upcoming federal budget in the coming weeks as discussions continue on taxation, economic reforms, and revenue targets.
