Aurangzeb expresses gratitude over passage of federal budget

ISLAMABAD, Jun 24 (APP):Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday expressed gratitude over the passage of the federal budget.

Speaking in the National Assembly, while briefing the National Assembly he said the decision to hold regular public facilitation sessions in Karachi had been taken on the special instructions of the Prime Minister.

He said the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), along with three members of staff, would now visit Karachi in the second week of every month to address public issues and ensure timely resolution of citizens’ concerns at the local level, thereby improving administrative convenience.

The minister also acknowledged the efforts of the Prime Minister’s Office, stating that officers and staff who worked day and night during the budget session at the Parliament House deserved recognition for their services.

On the occasion, he announced an honorarium equivalent to six months’ basic salary for officers and staff engaged during the budget session.

He clarified that the approval process had already been completed and the relevant file had been forwarded for formal implementation.

Referring to the Auditor General’s reports, the minister said that under the Constitution, it is essential to ensure that public funds are used strictly for their allocated purposes and in accordance with the law. He added that such reports play a fundamental role in Pakistan’s public financial accountability system.

He further noted that, for the first time in the country’s history, audit reports relating to the federal government were being presented in Parliament within the same financial year to which they pertain. He said this development reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening financial transparency, effective audit scrutiny, and parliamentary oversight.

The Finance Minister also paid tribute to the Auditor General of Pakistan and his team for fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, dedication, and diligence.