On Friday, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented the federal budget for fiscal year 2023-24, outlaying more than Rs14 trillion amid severe economic and political hardships.
The federal government, which is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will resume the stalled bailout program, has also taken some relief measures to help the inflation-stricken nation.
According to the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, the government of Pakistan has taken comprehensive relief measures. Economic growth is being stimulated, social welfare is being enhanced, and various sectors of the country are being uplifted through these initiatives. In order to address the needs of the people, the government has crafted a budget that emphasizes sustainable development and inclusive policies. Having this in place sets the stage for a prosperous future.
The relief measures are listed below
- The amount allocated to BISP increased from Rs400 billion to Rs450 billion
- Through USC, wheat flour, ghee, pulses, and rice are targeted for subsidies
- Salary increases for civil servants via Ad-hoc Relief Allowances
- The following allowances will see an increase in rates
- Daily and mileage allowance
- Additional charge to current charge allowance
- Orderly allowance
- Special conveyance allowance for the disabled.
- An increase in pensions and an increase in the minimum pension to Rs12,000
- Minimum wage increase from Rs25,000 to Rs30,000 in the ICT Loan write-off scheme for widows
- Health insurance card for working journalists and artists
Plan Development and Special Initiatives (PSDP) – a package of initiatives from the Prime Minister
| Areas of interventions | Allocation in Rs billions |
| PM initiative for solar tubewells | Rs30 billion |
| PM youth program for small loans | Rs10 billion |
| Pakistan endowment fund for education | Rs5 billion |
| PM initiative for IT startups and venture capital | Rs5 billion |
| PM initiatives for women empowerment | Rs5 billion |
| PM laptop scheme | Rs10 billion |
| PM green revolution | Rs5 billion |
| PM youth skill development | Rs5 billion |
| Other initiatives (sports and hepatitis C control program) | Rs5 billion |
| Total | Rs80 billion |
Government employee salaries
Government employees’ salaries were increased by 35% by the federal cabinet.
- Pension — 17.5% to Rs12,000
- EOBI pension — Rs10,000
- Increase in salaries for employees of grades 1-16 — 35%
- Above 17 — 30%
- Minimum wage Rs32,000
- Increase in medical and conveyance allowances — 100%
- Increase in ad hoc allowances — 10%
- The debts of widows are to be paid up to Rs1 million
- Deposit limit in national savings accounts for martyrs — Rs7.5 million
- Limit on Behbud Savings Certificate — Rs7.5 million
- Targeted subsidy program to provide for daily-use items — Rs25 billion
