Govt to present annual budget on June 5.

Byline: SHAHZAD PARACHA

ISLAMABAD -- The federal government has decided to present the budget for fiscal year 2020-21 on June 5, it was learnt on Friday. According to sources, the Finance Ministry has recently given a presentation to Prime Minister Imran Khan with regard to the next fiscal year budget, wherein he was informed that the budget would be presented in the first week of June.

Sources said the government has already categorised priority areas under the next budget. These include defence and public security, Ehsaas and Social Safety Network, health security (coronavirus), food and agriculture security (locust control), Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, Higher Education Commission, prime minister's special initiatives, development of special areas, sustainable development goals etc.

According to ministry insiders, the government would fix Rs10,399 billion as its expenditure target for FY21, while Rs5,101bn revenue target would be set for the Federal Board of Revenue. The primary deficit for FY21 has been projected at -0.3pc (including grants).

They said that the ministry has sought around Rs200bn for...