ISLAMABAD: Minister for Economic Affairs, Hammad Azhar on Friday dispelled the impression that the incumbent government had any plan to bring a mini budget.     

“Sugarcane and other crops received damage due to climate change that is one of the reasons for the price hike of sugar and wheat,” he said while talking to a local news channel. However, the government had made comprehensive efforts to overcome the challenges, he added. 

He said there was need to review the policy on sugar issue.

Hammad Azhar said the government was well aware of the problems being confronted by the people due to price hike, however, it had taken tangible steps against hoarding and mafias.

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After a review meeting between the International Monetary Fund and the Federal Board of Revenue in Islamabad, the sources of FBR confirmed that no mini budget was discussed in the meeting to abridge the shortfall in revenue collection target. So, there was no new tax being imposed, they added.

On Jan 15, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Prime Minister’s advisor on finance, had said the government was undertaking efforts to facilitate trade and improve the production capacity of various sectors to boost the country’s exports.

Speaking to French Ambassador Dr Marc Baréty in Islamabad, he had said the government had increased the budget allocated to the social sector, while steps were also taken to provide the poor with adequate food and medical care.

The meeting also addressed various proposals to improve the bilateral relations between the two countries and to increase French investment in Pakistan.

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh ha said earlier on January 8 that the government is taking all-out steps to solve the country’s continuing gas crisis.