Public finance
The Government of Pakistan has taken a constructive step towards a more balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking tax system by adopting several key recommendations from ICMA Pakistan in the Federal Budget 2025-26. The proposals, aimed at broadening the tax base, reducing the burden on salaried individuals, and tapping into emerging economic
Public finance
Pakistan's plans to improve its water storage and dam infrastructure have hit a roadblock due to declining allocations and delayed cash flows. The decision to reduce annual funding for water-sector initiatives under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and Annual Development Programme (ADP) is not only alarming but
Public finance
A cross-section of Charsadda society, including business leaders, teachers, and social activists, has collectively rejected the federal budget, deeming it a cruel and inflationary move that will exacerbate the already dire economic situation for the common man. The budget's 10% increase in government employee salaries has been termed
Public finance
The recent federal budget for 2025-26 presents a complex picture of economic restraint and social responsibility. With a total outlay of Rs 17.57 trillion, the government aims to provide relief for citizens while addressing economic reform challenges. The budget includes notable features such as the reduction in income tax
Public finance
Prominent industrialist Abdul Shakoor Khatri has expressed deep disappointment and concern over the imposition of an 18% tax on solar energy in the federal budget for 2025-26. Khatri, the founding chairman of the All-Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), believes this tax is counterproductive to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif'
Public finance
The proposed national budget for 2025-26 aims to balance economic growth, social welfare, and fiscal responsibility, with a total budget size of Taka 7.90 lakh crore and a revenue target of Taka 5.64 lakh crore. The budget allocates significant resources for education, health, and agriculture, while also addressing
Public finance
The Scottish Conservatives, led by Russell Findlay, have unveiled a comprehensive plan to cut £650 million in public spending and slash income tax bills for Scottish workers. According to the proposal, the savings would be achieved through the introduction of a Taxpayer Savings Act, which would cut the number of
Public finance
The June 2024 protests by Kenyan Gen Zs against punitive taxation measures, which resulted in the storming of Parliament for the first time in history, have led to significant changes in budgeting processes. The protests, which left over 50 Kenyans dead, ultimately led to the Finance Bill 2024 being declined
Public finance
The government of Pakistan has launched a new low-cost housing scheme, with a budget allocation of Rs5 billion for a mark-up subsidy. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), aims to enable individuals to build homes through affordable credit. As part of the scheme, a
Public finance
The Pakistani government has rolled out a new low-cost housing scheme with a Rs5 billion budget allocation in the FY26 budget. The scheme, which will be launched in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, offers a mark-up subsidy on loans to make home financing more accessible. This move aims
Public finance
The Pakistani IT industry has set ambitious targets to increase exports to $25 billion by 2029, but stakeholders have expressed concerns about existing taxation policies and lack of clarity on tax exemptions. Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA Muhammad Umair Nizam urged the government to extend the final tax regime
Public finance
Members of Parliament observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Kenyans who lost their lives during protests against government tax measures in 2023 and 2024. The tribute took place as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented the 2025/2026 national budget, which aims to address Kenya's
