The PML-N-led government is currently deciding on the fund allocation for the upcoming budget. The meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet in this regard, is set for today at 4:00 pm.
During the meeting, which Finance Minister Miftah Ismail will chair, key financial decisions will be made. Interestingly, according to the meeting agenda, additional funds for works on the PM House will be demanded. Moreover, a grant of Rs. 200 million will be discussed for the bar councils and associations.
PTI Spokesperson on Economy and Finance Muzzammil Aslam made the interesting observation on the ECC meeting agenda which he shared on Twitter.
Read more: PMLN’s Maryam Nawaz inspects PM House
“Demand of allocation of additional funds against IB3170-Prime Minister’s House, Islamabad under Demand no. 50 housing and works for the current financial year 2021-22,” the agenda’s point number 5 read.
Meanwhile, point number 9 said, “Supplementary Budget Grant of Rupees 200 million as Grant-in-Aid to the Bar Councils/Association.”
Read agenda 5 & 9. pic.twitter.com/oFakdJUMM4
— Muzzammil Aslam (@MuzzammilAslam3) May 28, 2022
Important to note that PML-N is accused of misusing the public’s money for their own personal use or to finance their lavish lifestyle. PML-N leaders, like Maryam Nawaz, often come under heavy fire for indulging in luxury items. Moreover, reports also emerged that Shehbaz Sharif’s residences will get the status of PM House.
Read more: All three residences of Shehbaz Sharif get PM House status
In contrast, former Prime Minister Imran Khan chose to live in his own house i.e Bani Gali, and he even proposed to turn the PM House into a university. Furthermore, PML-N has also been accused of bribery. Therefore, fund allocations for the PM House and bar councils did not go unnoticed by PTI’s Muzzamil Aslam.
PM Shehbaz announces relief for public
Following the decision to increase the prices of petroleum products by Rs. 30 a day ago in a bid to revive the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) programme for Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the government will include a Rs. 28 billion package in the upcoming budget to provide relief to the masses.
Addressing the nation, the prime minister said that aside from the relief package, the government would immediately provide Rs. 2,000 for around 85 million people to help them fight the effects of inflation.
Read more: The heavy debt on upcoming generations in Pakistan
“This is aside from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) monetary assistance that they are already getting. This relief package will be included in the next fiscal budget,” the premier said.
The premier added that he has directed the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to provide 10kg of wheat to people for Rs400.