KP development budget 2019-20 greater than Sind, equal to Punjab: Finance Minister.

PESHAWAR -- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister, Taimur Khan Jhagra Wednesday said that measures have been taken in the provincial budget 2019-20 to cover each and every sector with an aim to providing relief to people. 'We have presented the best budget in tough economic conditions.'

Addressing post budget conference here, he said that salaries of lower grade employees have been increased but the allocation in this regard is not that much. The development budget received the maximum upward jerk from Rs 140 billion to 319 billion.

He said that savings of Rs. 95 billion have been made in the budget which is an achievement. He said that development budget is greater than Sind province and almost equal to Punjab.

He termed provincial budget 2019-20 as 'Citizen Budget' and said that no new tax has been introduced only a few taxes have been revised upward.

Finance Minister said that special focus has been given to merged areas in the budget keeping in view the needs and demands of area.

' We have taken bold decision in the budget like extending ambit of Sehat Insaf Card to the whole province that is an achievement recognized by the foreigners', he said.

To a quesrion, he said that opposition members are not in a position to discuss budget as they have not attended the budget session.

He explained that professional tax enforced in 1990 finance bill has been only amended and lower slab has been increased. He said that property tax that was imposed in urban areas has now also been extended to districts.

We will be doing massive recruitment in upcoming fiscal year that would enhance service delivery benefitting both public and private sector.

He claimed that largest allocation has been made for backward areas to improve socio-economic conditions of people living there irrespective of any political affiliations. He told that allocation of merged areas would be utilized on development of social sector, infrastructure and economic development.

He promised to review double taxation in Peshawar and assured to fix this problem to the satisfaction of people.

Finance Minister said that the government has successfully controlled their expenditure which was need of the hour in the existing financial scenario. We have started our journey to increase provincial receipts, a step towards self-reliance.

We have not only swelled the volume of provincial budget but have also slashed throw...