1.1 On the assumption of office in August 2018, the present Government had to grapple with inherited fiscal and current account challenges; however. It successfully steered through the unfavourable conditions by adopting prudent monetary and fiscal policies. Resultantly, during fiscal year 2019-20, the economy started moving progressively along the path of stabilization. Major economic indicators, including the twin deficits, showed significant signs of improvement.
1.2 The economy witnessed a smooth transition to a market-based exchange rate system, which was pivotal to addressing the external imbalances and rebuilding the foreign exchange reserves buffer. This structural adjustment, along with the government’s adherence to its commitment of zero SBP borrowing, impacted overall monetary management and functioning of financial markets positively. Appropriate policy realignments were also made in the tax regime, which resulted in higher revenue generation and documentation of businesses. Similarly, expenditures were aggressively controlled to minimize the fiscal deficit.
1.3 Economic indicators were very encouraging during the nine months (July to March) of the FY 2019-20. However, by March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic had engulfed almost the whole world, posing grave new socioeconomic challenges, especially for the developing countries. Initially conceived as a health challenge, COVID-19 turned out to be an economic threat, having the potential of destabilizing the international economic system.
1.4 Pakistan was no exception and pandemic severely hit the country in late March 2020, which drastically changed the whole economic scenario and the results achieved during the previous nine months were mostly swept away. On the fiscal side, the successes of first nine months were lost in the next three months due to reduced economic activity, huge loss of revenue, high expenditure sowing to COVID-19, and lower provincial surplus, which led to an increase in the fiscal deficit. However, despite the unstable economic situation, FY 2019-20 closed with better than expected fiscal outcomes, which were also appreciated by our international development partners and rating agencies.
This Fiscal Policy Statement is presented to fulfil the requirement of Section 6 of FRDLA 2005 which stipulates that:
(1) Federal Government shall cause to be laid before the National Assembly fiscal policy statement by the end of January each year.
(2) The fiscal policy statement shall, Inter alia, analyse the following key macroeconomic indicators, namely:-
(a) total expenditures;
(b) total net revenue receipts;
(c) total fiscal deficit;
(d) total Federal fiscal deficit excluding foreign grants;
(e) total public debt; and
(f) debt per capita.
(3) The Federal Government shall explain how fiscal indicators accord with the principles of sound fiscal and debt management.
(4) The fiscal policy statement shall also contain:
(a) the key measures and rationale for any major deviation in fiscal measures pertaining to taxation, subsidy, expenditure, administrated pricing and borrowing;
(b) an update on key information regarding macroeconomic indicators;
(c) the strategic priorities of the Federal Government for the financial year in the fiscal area;
(d) the analysis to the fullest extent possible of all policy decisions made by the Federal Government and all other circumstances that may have a material effect on meeting the targets for economic indicators for that fiscal year as specified in the medium-term budgetary statement; and
(e) an evaluation as to how the current policies of the Federal Government are in conformity with the principle of sound fiscal and debt management and the targets set forth in the medium-term budgetary statement.
3.1 The aim of the budget strategy for FY 2019-20 was to: provide relief to the people; control fiscal deficit; protect social spending under the Ehsaas Program; support vulnerable segments through the Stimulus Package designed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic; keep the development budget at adequate level to stimulate economic growth; fund housing initiatives, including Naya Pakistan Housing project; fund special initiatives like Kamyab Jawan; ensure austerity; and rationalize expenditures.
3.2 The total outlay of the FY 20 budget was Rs.7,022 billion with gross Federal revenues at Rs.6,717 billion; FBR tax revenue were pitched at Rs.5,555 billion and Non-tax revenue at Rs. 1,662 billion. Transfers to provinces were estimated at Rs 3,255 billion and net Federal Revenues at Rs. 3,462 billion. Current and Development expenditures were estimated at Rs.6,321 billion and Rs.701 billion respectively. Interest payments were projected at Rs. 2,891 billion, the federal budget deficit at Rs.3,560 billion and overall fiscal deficit was estimated at Rs.3,137 billion or 7.1% of GDP (Rs. 44,003 billion). Primary balance was projected at Rs.246 billion, which is 0.6% of GDP (GDP: Rs. 44,003 billion).
A snap shot of consolidated fiscal performance (Federal and Provincial Government) during FY 2019-20 is as under:
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Description B.E Actual % share FY FY in GDP
1 Total Revenue (a+b) 7,365.5 6,272.2 15.0a. Tax Revenue 6,352.2 4,747.8 11.4Federal 5,822.2 4,334.2 10.4Provincial 530.0 413.6 1.0b. Non-Tax Revenue 1,013.4 1,524.4 3.7Federal 870.4 1,422.0 3.4Provincial 143.0 102.4 0.2
4.1 Total Expenditure
Total expenditures are the aggregate of two major components current expenditure and development expenditure. The consolidated expenditures of the Federal and Provincial Governments are as under:
=======================================================================Description B.E Actual % of B.E FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20=======================================================================Current Expenditure 8,957 8,445 94Development Expenditure 1,546 1,204 78=======================================================================Total 10,503 9,649 92=======================================================================4.2 Net Revenue Receipts (Federal Government):
The total revenues collected by the Federal Government are distributed amongst the Federation and the Provinces as per the provisions of the 7th NFC award. After transfer of the resources to the provinces, Net Revenue of the Federal Government is as under:
======================================================================= (Rs in billion)=======================================================================Description B.E Actual % of B.E. FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20=======================================================================Gross Revenue 6,717 5,782 86Transfers to Provinces 3,255 2,504 77=======================================================================Total Net Revenue 3,462 3,278 95=======================================================================4.3 Total Fiscal Deficit:
The Total Fiscal Deficit of the Federal and Provincial Governments remained on track during the first nine months due to high revenue generation and lower expenditures. In March 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Pakistan and disrupted economic activities. Total Fiscal Deficit is worked out as under:
======================================================================= (Rs in billion)=======================================================================Description BE Actual As % of FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 B.E 2019-20=======================================================================Total Revenue 7,366 6,272 85Total Expenditures 10,503 9,649 92Overall Fiscal Deficit -3,137 -3,376Percent of GDP 7.1% 8.1%Primary Balance -246 -757Percent of GDP 0.6 1.8=======================================================================GDP 44,003 41,727=======================================================================4.4 Federal Fiscal Deficit (Excluding Foreign Grants)
After transfer of resources to provinces, Net Federal Revenue is used to meet the Federal Expenditures. Accordingly the Federal Fiscal Deficit for FY 2019-20 is as under:
======================================================================= (Rs in billion)=======================================================================Description B.E Actual As % of B.E. FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 2019-20=======================================================================Net Federal Revenue 3,462 3,278 95Total Federal Expenditures 7022 6880 98Federal Fiscal Balance -3560 -3602Percent of GDP 8.1% 8.6%Primary Balance=======================================================================GDP 44,003 41,727=======================================================================4.5. Total Public Debt and Debt per Capita:
Total public debt was Rs 36.399 billion at end June 2020, recording an Increase of Rs 3.691 billion during FY 2019-20. It is important to highlight that interest payments on debt obtained by the previous governments constituted a major share in total interest payments during FY 2019-20. Government also used a portion of its cash balances to finance the federal fiscal deficit, leading to a reduction in the total public debt stock. The currency devaluation impact was much lower in FY 2019-20 as Pak Rupee depreciated only by 3 percent against US Dollar during the year.
======================================================== Rs in Billion======================================================== June-2020========================================================Total Public Debt 36,399% age of GDP 87.2GDP 41,727Debt Per Capita Rs 175,000========================================================Population as per PBS Annual Account: 208 million
5.1 As per Mid-year Budget Review report for the period July to December, 2019-20 placed by Federal Government before National Assembly in February 2020: FBR revenue growth was 16%, 75% of Non-Tax Revenue’s yearly target was collected, Primary Surplus of 0.6% was achieved and overall Fiscal deficit was contained at 2.3% of GDP. Current account deficit was reduced by 75% of the GDP.
5.2 The first nine months of FY 2019-20 (Pre-COVID-19 period) witnessed far-reaching positive changes in the economic indicators. During the period (July 2019 to March 2020) vis-a-vis the corresponding period of fiscal year 2018-19, CAD was reduced by 75% and fiscal deficit decreased from 5.0 % to 3.8% of GDP. Primary surplus of 0.4% of GDP was achieved for the first time in last 10 years. FBR revenue witnessed an increase of 17% and was on the track to achieve the massive target of Rs 4.8 trillion. Non-tax revenue increased by 134%. Bloomberg ranked the Pakistan Stock Exchange as one of the top performing markets of the world. Moody’s ratings upgraded Pakistan from B3-Negative to B3-Positive.
5.3 In the post-COVID-19 period (April to June 2020), most of the hard earned achievements were lost. The economic repercussions of the pandemic affected industry and retail businesses adversely, reduced GOP growth projection from 3.3% to -0.4%, and the estimate for the budget deficit had to be revised downward from 7.1% to 9.1%. Nevertheless, the Government stood up to the socioeconomic challenge by reaching out to the vulnerable segments of the society and supporting the business community to cushion the negative impact of the pandemic induced recession.
5.4 The historic Stimulus Package of more than Rs 1.2 trillion was approved out of which Rs 875 billion were made available through the budgetary mechanism for purchase of medical equipment, payment to vulnerable families, establishment of Panagahs, cash transfer to daily wage workers, refunds to businessmen, power and gas deferral, relief to farmers etc. BISP, NOMA, USC and other Government entities were geared up to meet the unexpected challenges.
The off-budget component of the Stimulus Package was provided for payment to farmers for wheat procurement, relief on petroleum products and tax concessions on food and health items.
6.1 The FRDL Act, 2005 requires Federal Government to take measures to reduce federal fiscal deficit and maintain total public debt within prudent limits. Federal fiscal deficit (excluding grants) was recorded at Rs 3,601 billion or 8.6 percent of GDP during FY 2019-20, thus remaining higher than the threshold prescribed in the Act. The bifurcation of this number depicts the following:
i. Interest Payments: Government paid Rs 2,620 billion against interest payments on the debts mostly obtained by the previous regimes;
ii. Federal Primary Deficit: was recorded at Rs 982 billion. This number also needs to be evaluated in terms of Pre-and-Post-COVID scenarios:
6.2 The above stated position clearly reflects that departure on fiscal side was beyond control of Federal Government primarily due to COVID-19 pandemic. This departure is temporary and the Federal Government has taken various measures including grant of economic stimulus package to mitigate the adverse impacts. The pandemic is a global challenge and the Government of Pakistan is committed to taking all measures to ensure continued abidance with the principles of sound fiscal management.
6.3 Regarding disclosure of policy decisions and other matters relating to fiscal policy statement, it incorporates to the fullest extent possible all decisions taken by the Federal Government which had material effects. The Federal Government is taking all necessary measures including aggressive rationalization and control over the expenditures from the Federal Consolidated Fund. The Minister for Finance & Revenue and Secretary Finance Division have also fulfilled requirements as per section 10 of the FRDIA 2005.
Conclusion:
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the provincial governments, has effectively managed the COVIO-19 pandemic. Fiscal deficit was contained against higher projections by various international and local agencies. Furthermore, In Budget FY 2020-21, one of the key priorities of the Government is to protect the vulnerable segments of society through social safety initiatives. As the pandemic continues, the Government has carried forward the unutilized Stimulus Package funds of Rs 540 billion to be spent during the FY 2020-21. The economy is moving progressively along the adjustment path and stabilization process. The government is focusing on bringing improvement in the real sector through growth in agriculture, industrial and services sectors. Pakistan started FY 2020-21 on a positive note and significant progress has already been achieved on several fronts in a fairly short time span. The medium-term fiscal objectives are firmly back on track supported by strong domestic tax performance while social spending has increased. Key challenges to budget strategy are adherence to budgetary targets, circular debt of energy sector, revenue collection target and the risk of continuation of the pandemic or natural disasters. There is also the possibility that any reduction of global demand will impact Pakistan’s gross domestic product and eventually tax receipts. In case of any slippages, appropriate policy measures shall be put in place.
Government of Pakistan
Finance Division
Subject: STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY UNDER SECTION OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DEBT LIMITATION ACT, 2005
Stated that all policy decisions with material economic or fiscal implications that the Federal Government has made before January 2021. The day on which the contents of the Fiscal Policy Statement were finalized and all other circumstances with material economic or fiscal implications of which I was aware before that day have been communicated to the Secretary of Finance;
The statement to the best of our knowledge provides for:
a) The integrity of the disclosures contained in the economic policy statements;
b) The consistency with the requirements of this Act of the information contained in the economic policy statements: and
c) The omission from the economic policy statement of any decision or circumstance specified in sub-section (3) of section 8.
(Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh)
(Finance Minister)
Government of Pakistan
Finance Division
Subject: STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILI TY UNDER SECTION 10(1) (b) OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DEBT LIMITATION ACT, 2005
Stated that Ministry has supplied to the Minister, using its best professional judgment on the basis of economic and fiscal information available to it before 19th January 2021, the day on which the contents of the Fiscal Policy Statement were finalized, a Fiscal Policy Statement incorporating the fiscal and economic implications of those decisions and circumstances, but any decision or circumstances that the Minister has determined under sub-section (3) of section 8 of the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005, have not been incorporated in the Fiscal Policy Statement.
(KAMRAN ALI AFZAL)
SECRETARY FINANCE
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