Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Provincial Finance Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah Monday night called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House and briefed him about the economic situation of the province. They briefed him on the budget presented by the provincial government in the Sindh Assembly.
The Finance Minister gave a detailed briefing to the President about the important aspects of the budget. The President congratulated the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister on presenting a tax-free budget, the fifth budget presented by the PPP-led government.
The President appreciated the provincial government for earmarking an unprecedented development outlay of Rs 231.17 billion in the current budget. He said that giving due attention to the energy related projects was also commendable step keeping in view the rising energy requirements and the crisis being faced by the people of the province.
The President said that in wake of 18th Amendment when the provinces have been empowered it was important that the agricultural sector which is the backbone of the economy is accorded priority and the farmers are provided all possible support and facilitation. The President also appreciated enhancement of women quota in government jobs which has been enhanced to 25% from the existing 5 percent. The President said that it was important that the province make use of their resources and adopt innovate approaches for revenue augmentation. He emphasised upon the need for recovery of the taxes and for improving the savings.