Finance Minister Avoids Comment on Traders’ Demand for New Province

Karachi: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb refrained from commenting on traders’ demand for a new province during a media interaction following his address at a workshop organized by the Pakistan Banks Association.
While addressing the event, the minister highlighted two major challenges facing Pakistan — rapid population growth and climate change. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the private sector, stating that the government alone cannot tackle these issues.
The private sector must lead the country’s development, while the government’s role is to create a conducive business environment,” Aurangzeb said.
He also announced that the upcoming federal budget will be formulated by the newly established Tax Policy Office, and not by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), marking a significant shift in budget preparation strategy.
However, when asked by traders about the creation of a new province, the finance minister declined to respond, choosing to avoid the politically sensitive topic.