People hailing from different walks of life have expressed mixed reaction over the federal budget 2006-07, presented by the Minister of State for Finance Omar Ayub Khan in the National Assembly on Monday.
People belonging to the sectors such as dairy, fertiliser etc, to whom some incentives have been announced have widely hailed the budget, while those who have attached hopes but get nothing, have expressed disappointment and criticised it.
The pensioners and salaried people, although termed the raise in their pensions and salaries as insufficient, but they said something is better than nothing. The people engaged in the business of prize bonds have welcomed the announcement regarding broadening the scope of prize money on bonds of different denominations.
Chief Organiser, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Allama Ibtesam Elahi in his reaction said that no relief has been given to the people in the budget. Despite tall claims of the government, people have been further burdened instead of providing any relief, he said adding that there was no sign of stabilisation of national economy.
Secretary Information, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Hasham Elahi Zaheer said that the budget is against the aspirations of people. He said that price of petrol and utilities have not been reduced, while the government has presented wrong figures. He was of the view that the government is following anti-government policies.
Pakistan Ehtesab Party, Punjab, President Ghulam Shahbir Khan Lashari and Secretary General, Farooq Ali Awan, have hailed the budget, and termed it 'people friendly'. They said that raise in the salaries of government employees, fixing minimum wage as Rs 4,000, giving subsidy on essential items, slashing duties on fertiliser and tractors import are welcoming.
They also praised the government for enhancing the ratio of taxes on stock market and banking services. They also welcomed imposition of tax on real estate business. They also appreciated the government for allocating Rs 10 billion for construction of new water reservoirs.
Business Industry Promotion Association of Pakistan, Chairman, Sheikh Salim Ali and Vice-Chairman, Bilal Aslam Sufi, have said that the budget 2006-07 is business and people friendly. They said that in the budget maximum relief has been announced for the people.
Chairman All Pakistan Teachers Federation, Muhammad Azam Butt, said that teachers' community has attached much expectation to this budget but the government has announced allowance from Rs 500 to 1,000, which has been linked with their performances. He said that teachers must be given 'economic independence' so that they could play their due role in national development.
Secretary General Pakistan Society of Family Physicians, Dr Sheharyar Bhatti in his reaction praised the government for announcing exemption in duty on import of some medical equipment as well as medicines.
He was of the view that in a country where there are a large number of people who are facing serious health problems, such decisions are necessary. He hoped that with this decision people would get cheap diagnostic and medical facilities.
Moreover, a pensioner, Athar Ali Inayat, praised the government for enhancing pension of pensioners and also announcing some incentives for the senior citizens.
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