Finance Minister Aurangzeb: Maximum Possible Relief Given to Low and Middle-Income Salaried Class in Budget
Islamabad:Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has stated that the government has provided as much relief as possible to the lower and middle-income salaried class in the federal budget for FY 2025-26.
Speaking on Geo News’ program *”Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath”*, the finance minister said efforts were made to minimize government expenditures, and he stands by the figures presented in the budget.
Aurangzeb announced that an easy-to-fill tax form consisting of 8 or 9 columns will be introduced to facilitate salaried individuals in filing their taxes independently.
Addressing concerns from the public, he acknowledged that if certain indicators are not improving as expected, the government is open to reviewing them. “People often say — take taxes if you must, but please don’t hand us over to the FBR,” he remarked, indicating public frustration with tax administration.
He also shared that the government is introducing a **carbon levy** to support the transition towards renewable energy.
Regarding fiscal matters with provinces, Aurangzeb confirmed that the next **National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting** is expected to be held in **August or earlier**.
