ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to present Federal Budget 2013-14 in Parliament on June 12, 2014 (Wednesday), it is reliably learnt. Sources in the Finance Ministry said the decision that the budget would be presented on June 12, 2013 was communicated to all the concerned ministries and divisions hours before the oath-taking ceremony of the Federal Cabinet Friday.
Finance Minister designate Senator Ishaq Dar would present the budget in the National Assembly on June 12. A senior official of the Finance Ministry said the Economic Survey, an official document comprising of sectoral economic performance and macroeconomic indicators during the outgoing fiscal year, would be launched on June 11.
The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting has been convened on June 10, 2013 to finalise the Public Sector Development Programme and macroeconomic framework for next fiscal year. Sources said the Finance Ministry has been taking input from Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in finalising development and current expenditure and tax proposals.
The Planning and Development Division claimed to have shared macroeconomic framework and development budget for the next fiscal year and broader contours of economic survey for the current fiscal year with Senator Ishaq Dar through the Finance Ministry. A senior official said the Planning Commission has completed its work and is ready to give presentation to the NEC, which would be chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by the chief ministers and provincial and federal finance ministers to give approval before taking it to the Cabinet meeting for final approval and presentation in the Parliament.
Dar was expected to pay a visit to the Finance Ministry immediately after taking oath and this was conveyed to all the officials of Finance Ministry. However, till filing of this report, he has not yet visited the ministry to take the charge.