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Pakistan Budget Speech in Urdu & English »
Pakistan Budget Speech (English) »
Text of Federal Budget 2011-12 Speech
delivered by
DR. ABDUL HAFEEZ SHAIKH
Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Planning & Development
Part-I
Introduction: Democracy is Functioning
Madam Speaker,
1. Let me start in the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. I am
thankful to Allah for the responsibility placed upon me to present the fourth
budget of the democratic Government before this historic Parliament. In
presenting the fourth budget, Prime Minister Gilani, has become, after Shaheed
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Liaqat Ali Khan, the longest running PM in Pakistan’s
history. This is a great tribute to the political leadership of our country, to
President Zardari, to the leadership of all the major political parties.
2. This is a historic Parliament. It reflects the will of the people. It has set
high standards of debate. It has conducted itself honorably. It has passed
landmark legislation. It has strengthened the Federation. It has redressed
historical inequities. It has empowered the provinces. Above all, it has
restored the constitution.
3. The Constitution of Pakistan was framed in 1973 by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto and the national leaders of that time. It was a shining moment for
Pakistan. In that moment we all came together. Our Constitution was assaulted in
1977. It took us 32 years to restore the constitution. This national duty was
performed by this House. Let us pay a tribute to those who are responsible for
meeting the aspirations of our people. Let us pay a tribute to the President
Asif Ali Zardari, who voluntarily gave up his powers to the Parliament. Leader
of the House, Prime Minister Gilani, and Leader of the Opposition, Chaudhry
Nisar Ali Khan also deserve special tribute for playing a key role in ensuring
the supremacy of the Parliament. The restoration of the Constitution was another
shining moment. We again came together. A new Pakistan emerged. A new beginning
was made.
Madam Speaker,
4. Whenever we have come together we have surprised the world with our
achievements. In 1947 when we came together we overcame the odds and this
country was born. In 1965 when our country was attacked we came together, and
aggression was resisted. In 1998 we came together to protect our nation and the
world witnessed our capabilities. In the earthquake of 2005 and the floods of
2010 we came together and showed the world our resilience and generosity. 5.
This is a Pakistan in which democracy has made a comeback. The new Pakistan is
also one of coalition politics. Of give and take. Of the balancing of forces. Of
developing shared understanding. Of lively public discourse. Of getting along.
Of generating consensus. Of responsiveness to Parliament, the media, the
business community, civil society, and above all, to the People of Pakistan. The
judiciary is free to interpret the Constitution, to apply checks on the
Government, and to provide justice. The media is free to report, to comment, and
to critique.
Provincial Governments have been assigned greater responsibilities and given
greater resources. The Parliamentary committees provide oversight and scrutiny
on the working of the Government. The financial institutions like the State
Bank, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Competition Commission
enjoy extraordinary autonomy. They are empowered to conduct monetary policy,
regulate the financial sector, and curb monopolies and cartels. The regulatory
bodies such as PTA, NEPRA, OGRA, are free to conduct their affairs without
Government intervention. And in an extraordinary act of bipartisanship, a move
unheard of in parliamentary history, the Leader of the Opposition is the
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. And he performs this role with great
responsibility and enthusiasm. These are the foundations of a new Pakistan that
make us all proud.
Madam Speaker,
6. However, a lot of hard work still needs to be done. We must let democracy
take root. We must safeguard our freedoms. We must allow our institutions to
strengthen. We have to build sound governance that serves people. Madam Speaker,
with hard work I am confident that the foundations for transformation will be
securely laid.
The Economy We Inherited
Madam Speaker,
7. Let us all recall where the economy was when this House and this Government
took charge in 2008. My friend, Senator Ishaq Dar sahib, who was the first
Finance Minister of this Government, was rightly alarmed at the state of the
economy that he inherited. He said then;
“The mismanagement of economy has resulted in overspending of Rs. 558 billion
and if the Government does not take corrective measures then fiscal deficit will
touch 9.5 per cent of GDP by June 2008.”
8. By 2007, a combination of oil price increases, expenditure on security and
policy lapses had set the stage for a full-blown crisis. The fiscal space
created by the 2001 debt rescheduling and successful privatization was
squandered by fueling a consumption boom instead of undertaking structural
reforms in the country. Double-digit inflation has been recorded since 2006 and
had reached to an alarming level of 25%, perhaps the highest ever. Growth had
slowed down, fiscal deficit had ballooned to 7.6%, and the external current
account deficit was 8.5%. International reserves had declined from 16 to 6
billion dollars and a sharp decline in the value of the rupee and the further
evaporation of reserves was imminent.
The Government Response
Madam Speaker,
9. Thus, the Government of President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani,
inherited on March 8, 2008, a fragile economy, an acute BOP crisis and a large
fiscal shock. The Government had no choice but to go to the IMF. A stabilization
program was sought amounting to $11.1 billion to strengthen our international
reserves, and tighten fiscal and monetary policies to fight inflation.
10. The efforts of the Government began to pay off. Inflation was moderated and
the. growth momentum started to return. The fiscal deficit was brought down and
new pro poor schemes were launched. Areas where we needed to show better results
were in domestic resource mobilization, creation of new jobs in private sector,
resolving the energy shortages and better targeting of subsidies.
Budget 2010-11
Madam Speaker,
11. One challenge that the Budget for FY 2010/11 faced was that this was the
first year after the landmark NFC Award, which substantially enhanced the share
of Provincial Governments in the divisible pool and increased the challenge of
the Federal government to finance its expenditure obligations. We however,
consider it a temporary difficulty that in the long run is the best thing that
has happened to augment the welfare of our people. Since, a much bigger share of
expenditure responsibilities that affect our people, such as health, education
and law and order are provided by the Provincial Governments, we are hopeful
that national expenditures on these services will rise as additional resources
are transferred from the federation to the provinces.
12. It was against this setting that the Budget for FY 2010-11 was presented in
which we took several measures to provide relief to our citizens. Salaries were
increased by 50%, benefitting Government employees. Tax exemption limits were
increased from Rs 100,000 to Rs 300,000 benefitting 1.2 million low income tax
payers. No income taxes were levied. Custom duties were not increased for any
item and brought down for 29 to reduce the burden on the public. A comprehensive
reform proposal for sales tax was offered doing away with exemptions and special
treatments and capital gains tax was imposed to bring short term gains from
stock trading into the tax net. Very importantly, a deficit target was fixed at
4% and strong austerity measures were introduced to check inflation. All
non-salary expenditures of the federal Government were frozen at the level of
previous year’s actual. The PSDP was also frozen at the previous year’s level.
To protect the poor and vulnerable segments, targeted social safety nets such as
BISP were enhanced.
Adverse Shocks
Madam Speaker,
13. However, soon after the budget three major events jolted us severely which I
would like to share with this august House: Our country was struck by the
greatest natural calamity of our history: The Great Floods of 2010. The world
has not seen a calamity of this magnitude in modern times. No country has had to
deal with a disaster of this scale. No area of the country was spared. The
floods struck us all the way from the mountains in the north to the sea in the
south, covering a length of a thousand miles. All four provinces were affected.
Eighty plus districts were inundated. Families saw their loved ones drown.
Farmers saw their standing crops – of rice and cotton -- destroyed. People saw
their homes washed away. Our brothers and sisters had to spend days in fear and
nights under open skies. Bridges, roads, railways, dams, power plants,
factories, refineries, irrigations systems, schools, hospitals and other
infrastructure were impacted. Entire towns like Nowshera, Charsaddah,
Muzzafargarh, Rajanpur, Jacobabad, Khairpur Nathan Shah and Qambar-Shadadkot and
Jafferabad and Dera Allahyar were submerged or cut off for weeks.
Madam Speaker,
14. Once the waters had receded only then could the economic toll be calculated:
20 million people affected; 1.6 million homes damaged; 2 million hectares of
standing crops destroyed; 300,000 cattle lost; 25,000 km of roads destroyed;
inflation increased due to disruption of supplies while revenue collection
suffered. The overall assessment of damage stood at $10 billion or Rs 850
billion and GDP growth reduced by two percent. The requirements of looking after
the flood affected, allocations for their support and rehabilitation, resulted
in additional fiscal strain on the Government and the macro-economic framework
had to be adjusted.
15. While the floods caused us grave economic hardship….and the effects will be
felt for a long time…. they also showed the true character, resilience, dignity,
generosity and strength of our people. Many in the international community
helped us both through the UN and through bilateral support. These included the
US, Japan, UK, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE and others. We are thankful to
all of them. I would like to pay a special tribute to the First Lady of Turkey
who donated her personal necklace to be auctioned to help our brothers and
sisters. While others helped, the big story of the Floods is that Pakistanis
helped Pakistanis. They opened their homes and their hearts for their brothers
and sisters.
The Government, its organisations like the armed services, the NDMA, elected
representatives and above all the civil society rose to the occasion and we
again became a nation united, both, in sharing of the pain and in sharing of our
generosity. Let us pay a tribute to those who reached out. Let us also pay a
tribute to overseas Pakistanis, from Oslo to Jeddah and from Houston to Abu
Dhabi for their support. Above all let us recognize whose hearts were there for
their fellow countrymen. Above all let us honor the resilience, the strength and
the grace of the people of Pakistan who have suffered this calamity. We salute
you. We will not forget your suffering. And we will do whatever we can to
alleviate your suffering and bring you back into the economic mainstream.
16. The Government tried to deal with the floods at various levels. A program of
Cash Compensation was launched for giving Rs. 160 billion. In the first phase
Rs. 32 billion have been disbursed. Farmers have been given subsidized credit
and fertilizer and seeds. The cost of this package is Rs. 8 billion. Hundreds of
billions of rupees are being allocated for the rehabilitation and development of
flood affected infrastructure.
Madam Speaker,
17. The second factor which impacted us seriously was the unexpected increase in
the international price of oil. As you know, dependence on imported oil is a
great source of vulnerability and threat to our economy. The price of oil is
affected by the increase in the demand from the fast growing economies of Asia,
the matters of psychology and speculation, and of course the uncertainty and
disruption of supplies from the recent developments in the oil producing Middle
East. Madam Speaker, when our last year’s budget was prepared the price of oil
was expected to be in the range of 70-75 dollars per barrel. However, the prices
rose to $125 per barrel during the year.
Madam Speaker,
18. The high price of oil pushed up prices of many products, caused hardship to
our citizens and severely impacted the supply of electricity and threatened the
stability of the economy. The Government tried its best to keep prices low for
less privileged income groups. The Government even sacrificed more than Rs.50
billion of its own in the process. Unfortunately, there is no good way to
subsidize only the needy. The rich benefit from the subsidy as well. Thus, while
the Government loses money the benefit is enjoyed not only by the poor users of
public transport but also by the rich owners of luxury cars. This is not a fair
system. We must show courage and move away from such general subsidies to
subsidies only for the deserving. I will say more on this subject later in my
speech.
19. Madam Speaker, the third factor which continued to affect us adversely was
security. We live in a difficult neighborhood. We are faced with threats to our
country’s security. We remain engaged in a struggle for the safety of our
citizens. We are the victims of war and terrorism. We have paid a heavy price.
5,000 of our jawans have embraced martyrdom. 30,000 of our citizens have lost
their lives. Even women and children have not been spared. Our towns, villages
and bazaars have been bombed. Our schools and hospitals have been targeted. Our
FC academy, our Intelligence offices, our police stations, our navy
installations and even our GHQ has been attacked. Even our mosques and the
shrines of Bari Imam, Data Darbar and, Abdullah Shah Ghazi have not been spared.
I want to pay a tribute Madam Speaker to our armed forces, to our paramilitary,
to our police and above all to our citizens. I want them to know that the nation
is with you. That we salute you. And that in these difficult times we have to
stand united.
20. This security situation has grave consequences for our economy and the
welfare of our people. It affects our perceptions. It affects our business
environment. It affects our investment flows. It affects the growth of our
economy. And ultimately it affects the welfare of our people.
Governments Response
Madam Speaker,
21. Our Government responded to these challenges by
• Deepening our austerity measures through another round of expenditure cuts
amounting to Rs. 20 billion, banning of fresh recruitment and reducing petrol
allowances of senior Government officials. • Pruning of expenditures through a
Rs 100 billion cut in development expenditures, while preserving regional
balance and early completion of
projects.
• Further limiting un-targeted subsidies
• Pushing for public sector enterprise reform especially in the area of energy
(I will say more about that later)
• In keeping with our objective to strengthen resource mobilization we took
several revenue actions:
o While we could not enact the RGST law because political consensus eluded us,
our resolve to expand the resource envelope was not weakened. Exemptions and
zero ratings in our sales tax system were removed.
o Establishment of an automated refund system
o Levied one-off additional taxes to meet the requirement of our citizens
affected by floods. Measures for this effort were (i) a small surcharge on
income tax liabilities and (ii) raising the special excise duty by 1.5%.
o We also worked on administrative reform at FBR reform ( I will dwell on this
later) which has started to yield results and the targets for revenue collection
are being achieved.
Madam Speaker,
22. As we begin the new fiscal year, I am confident that the difficulties we
have faced in the last three years are moderating. There are signs of recovery.
Most notably, during the year, our exports have shown an unprecedented growth of
28% in the first ten months of the fiscal year. Similarly, remittances are
likely to cross the double digit mark at $11.2 billion, which is again historic.
Remittances have crossed the one billion mark in each of the last three
months--another record. I can also report that we will have a surplus in the
current account of balance of payments at the end of this year. Owing to these
positive factors, the country has accumulated historic reserves of $17.3 billion
and the rupee has displayed stability.
Madam Speaker,
23. Rural areas have benefitted from our policies. Due to the historic decision
of our Government to ensure higher commodity prices to our farmers, Rs.400
billion have been injected into our rural economy, which in turn has increased
the production of agricultural commodities and the demand for durable goods in
the economy has helped revive industrial production and brought prosperity.
However, there should be no mistake that our challenges remain daunting and
there is little room for complacency.
Challenges and Vision
Madam Speaker,
24. To put the economy on a stable and desirable long-term growth trajectory,
several persistent challenges must be addressed NOW! We as a country:
• have struggled with chronic fiscal difficulties for the last 25 years leading
us to have worked a number of times under the IMF Programme.
• our growth rate has been less than what was needed to meet our development
needs.
• lack a long term focus and consistency in our economic policies to give
investors and entrepreneurs a stable enabling environment.
• have public sector enterprises that continue to drain the budget and block
market opportunities.
• have regulatory and governance structures that do not encourage investment and
the development of competitive markets.
Madam Speaker,
25. Democracy must be bold enough to take on these challenges, I urge my
colleagues to come to grips with these challenges. We must deliver development
to the people of our society while reducing our aid dependence.
26. We have a young population- 50% of our population is under the age of 20,
labor force is growing at 3.6% per annum. To employ the youth entering the labor
force, we need a growth rate of 7% per annum and more importantly we must be
able to sustain this growth rate for a decade or more. Unfortunately we have
never been able to sustain a growth rate of more than 6% for more than three
years. Moreover, our productivity growth rate is also far lower than comparator
countries. We need to address these issues and begin a period of sustained high
growth.
Growth Strategy
Madam Speaker,
27. We will make “jobs and growth” a national priority!
28. By factoring in our local conditions and after extensive engagement with
various stakeholders we have developed strategies to stimulate growth in the
economy. The Government tasked the Planning Commission to develop a New Growth
framework to address the constraints to investment, productivity and
competitiveness. Even in this resource constraint environment where the PSDP is
limited, we estimate that a sustained implementation of reform strategy could
increase our growth rate by as much as 3 percentage points per annum.
29. While our development program will continue to build infrastructure (and I
will talk about that later), let me highlight some aspects of our “jobs and
growth” strategy;
• We must make productivity measurement and improvement a priority everywhere.
To begin with governance reforms will be developed to put in place performance
based and professional management focused on public sector service delivery.
• Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Reforms and selected privatization will not
only improve public sector productivity but will also provide more space for
private sector investment.
• More focused and professional regulation along with openness will seek to
develop vibrant markets to attract private investment.
• We will configure our cities through better management and liberalized
building and zoning regulations to unleash the potential of several industries
including construction, retail, ware housing, entertainment, hospitality,
transport etc.
• Youth will be engaged and included in every aspect of our economy. We hope to
unleash the potential of youth entrepreneurship in several of our new creative
cities.
Madam Speaker,
30. This is a large reform agenda, but one whose time has come. The challenge is
to work with the various ministries and provincial and local Governments to
operationalize and implement this agenda. If we are able to implement this
reform agenda well not only will we be able to accelerate our growth to 7%, we
will extend gainful opportunities to a large segment of our youth. This is long
overdue!
Budget Strategy 2011-12
Madam Speaker,
31. We will strengthen our stabilization efforts this year.
• We hope to reduce the fiscal deficit further.
• We hope to reduce our rate of inflation to single digit levels through
continued fiscal consolidation.
• Develop a broad, equitable and stable revenue mobilization system to meet our
development needs.
• Maintain and further develop social safety nets for the vulnerable while
moving rapidly towards the elimination of untargeted subsidies.
• Strengthen restructuring of the loss making public sector enterprises where
possible. We must also find the courage to close down or privatize where
required.
• Invest through our public sector development program in vital infrastructure
and much needed human resource development.
• Reduce our debt to sustainable levels, well below the required 60% of the
Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act (FRDL).
32. To meet these objectives Madam Speaker, we are continuing to reduce the
fiscal deficit towards a long run target of 3% of GDP. Recall that last year the
deficit was 6.3% of GDP. As I noted before, this year, despite large and
unprecedented floods, substantial unprecedented increase in oil prices and large
increase in food prices, our efforts have achieved a fiscal deficit of 5.1% of
GDP. The budget of 2011-12, Madam Speaker, will target a budget deficit of 4% of
GDP. This target will allow us to achieve some debt reduction since our deficit
this year is going to be less than our requirement for debt servicing.
Madam Speaker,
33. We hear the complaints of the people and therefore are strongly committed to
reducing the rate of inflation. We have already committed to discontinue
borrowing from the State Bank through an amendment of the State Bank Act which
this House judiciously passed. We will also eliminate our debt to the State bank
within a period of eight years. Through these efforts, like other prudent
countries, we have ended the period of fiscal policy dominating monetary policy.
Madam Speaker,
34. Meanwhile we are also taking several administrative measures for easing the
burden of inflation on the people.
i. We have intervened in commodity markets such as wheat and sugar to ensure
stable supplies at affordable prices.
ii. At times such as Ramadan, generous packages for the vulnerable have been
made available
iii. Our 7000 plus Utility Stores as well as itwar and juma bazaars have
provided crucial supplies at favorable prices to many
iv. Many levels of Government have collaborated to monitor supplies and prices
to prevent hoarding, shortages and excessive price increases
v. The Government gave hundreds of billions to energy sector as subsidies
vi. The Government reduced its borrowing from the State Bank through strict
controls on spending to reduce inflation.
Energy Reforms
Madam Speaker,
35. I must emphasize that without eliminating our untargeted subsidies,
budgetary control will be impossible. In particular, our power system must
operate efficiently and cost effectively without subsidy and ensure full cost
recovery. The taxpayer must not pay for the management inefficiencies of these
entities.
36. The Government has subsidized power sector losses of over Rs. 1000 billion
in the last three years to ensure a lower tariff to consumers. The Government
has taken various steps to reduce inter corporate circular debt including
picking up of Rs 400 billion, improving PEPCO’s receivables and creating
efficiency to reduce the difference between determined and notified tariff. In
addition, the Government has initiated conservation programmes to create
efficiency in the use of energy to control demand.
37. The Government is taking steps to improve regulatory oversight by empowering
NEPRA to notify monthly fuel adjustments in tariff directly. NEPRA will also be
professionally upgraded to manage and regulate the power sector more effectively
following PEPCO’s dissolution in July, 2011.
38. This Government has added over 2000 MW of electricity generation and another
1400 MW are being added in this year.
Madam Speaker,
39. It must be recognized that reform will only be complete when we have DISCOs
and GENCOs that are professionally run as independent corporate entities,
controlling their losses, collecting their bills, and earning the trust of their
consumers. We have made a start in that direction, thanks to our leadership. The
Prime Minister has put in place professional Boards of Directors to begin the
process of corporate restructuring. In addition the Cabinet Committee on
Restructuring has approved codes of Conduct for the BODs, and rules for
inducting CEOs and CFOs. There are plans to bring the private sector to manage
these electricity companies.
Public Sector Enterprises (PSE) Reform
Madam Speaker,
40. Public Sector Enterprise inefficiency is choking our economy. These must be
urgently restructured. Our Cabinet Committee on Restructuring has developed a
restructuring model based on a professional Boards of Directors and by inducting
professional management from the market.
Madam Speaker,
41. Some progress has been achieved including restructuring BODs of 8 Power
Sector Distribution Companies (DISCOs), National Transmission and Dispatch
Company (NTDC), Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and Pakistan Railways. Turn around
plans for power sector and PSM are under implementation and consequently
hemorrhaging has been curtailed in these PSEs. Madam Speaker, we need to
strongly push this reform forward in the next year. The restructuring of PIA,
PASSCO, USC and TCP is also underway. This is essential to reduce the burden on
the budget and improve public service delivery.
Madam Speaker,
42. In addition to our restructuring efforts, the Cabinet Committee on
privatization has also identified several public sector enterprises listing on
stock market and privatization in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
Given our fiscal problems, resources from the listings, a public offering and
PPP privatizations of enterprises such as State Life, National Insurance, Steel
Mill, PIA, PSO, PPL and OGDCL could help provide much needed funds for
development and other important needs. In addition, these initiatives could
invigorate our markets and spark interests of the international investors in
Pakistan. Madam Speaker, many countries have involved the private sector to grow
their economy. We should also!
Social Protection
Madam Speaker,
43. Even in these difficult times we have remained committed to the ideals of
Shaheed Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and provided
for the poor, the weak and the vulnerable. Our Benazir Income Support Program
(BISP) has received acclaim from our development partners. It targets the poor
on international standards through surveys and score cards. It uses technology
so that the possibilities of corruption are limited. It is also a very large
financial inclusion program since the subsidy is routed through the banking
system. This year we have spent Rs.35 billion for providing a monthly support of
Rs.1000 to such households and next year we will take this amount to at least
Rs.50 billion and if additional resources are available this amount may be
increased to Rs.65 billion. Other than BISP, there are numerous other programs
under the Government auspices, both at federal and provincial levels, such as
Bait-ul-Mal, Poverty Alleviation Fund (through micro-finance), EOBI, Workers
Welfare Fund and Zakat through which support to low-income families is provided.
Development Program
Madam Speaker,
44. Let me now turn to the development program of the Government. As you are
aware, this was a very difficult year in which resources were diverted to meet
the challenges of relief and rehabilitation for the victims of the floods. Then
there were unanticipated subsidies for electricity. To contain the budget
deficit, which was feared to be exceeding 8%, it was inevitable to cut the
development expenditure. At the federal level, the development plan was reduced
from Rs.290 billion to Rs.196 billion while the provincial plans were reduced
from Rs. 430 billion to Rs. 270 billion. Thus the total development plan was
reduced from Rs.720 billion to Rs.466 billion.
45. Clearly, this was not a satisfactory solution but the consequences of
following the other path of increasing the deficit through printing of money
would have meant devastating effects on our people, especially the weaker
segments.
46. The NEC has approved an annual development plan of Rs.730 billion with
federal PSDP at Rs.300 billion and provincial plans at Rs.430 billion for FY
2011-12.
47. Let me share some of the key features of the development priorities set in
the Federal PSDP. These include completion of projects; regional balance;
provision of key infrastructure especially energy; provision for higher
education; continuation of vertical programs for health and education which will
be continued at the Federal level post 18th Amendment.
48. Major allocations in various sectors approved by the NEC:
a. First, we have allocated 96% of the development plan to on-going schemes, in
an effort to minimize the throw-forward in our portfolio. Projects with foreign
assistance and infrastructure have been given preference.
b. 55% of the allocations have been made in the infrastructure sector while 44%
in the social sectors. It may be noted that social sector allocation is still
very high despite devolution of these sectors to the provinces. This is because
the federal Government has agreed to continue to bear the cost of some of the
key vertical-nation-wide schemes such as lady health workers, immunization and
family planning.
c. Within the infrastructure sectors, the top priority has been given to the
water sector. Agriculture is the back-bone of our economy. With rising
population food security will require major expansion both in agriculture output
as well as productivity. While working
on water conservation to make better use of existing resources, our future
depends on radically altering the management of water resources in the country.
In the present budget we have kept an allocation of Rs.33.2 billion, or 12% of
the total PSDP for water
sector projects. Besides completion of Mangla Raising, the program will include
important projects like Satpara Multipurpose Dam (Gilgit-Baltistan), Gomalzam
(FATA), Kachhi Canal (Balochistan), Rainee Canal (Sindh), Lower Indus Right Bank
Irrigation and Drainage Sindh, (Balochistan) Effluent Disposal into RBOD,
Extension of Right Bank and out fall Drain from Sehawan to Sea, lining of
Distributaries and Minors in Sindh.
d. The second most significant allocation in the infrastructure has been
accorded to power generation to overcome serious supply and demand gaps in the
sector. An allocation of Rs.32.5 billion is planned for power generation,
transmission, distribution and
conservation. Apart from this there will be an investment of Rs.83 billion which
WAPDA and PEPCO will make through their own resources. These investments will go
a long way in addressing the problem of the load-shedding in the country.
e. In the power sector many important projects are included in the plan: Diamir
Bhasha Dam (Rs.18 billion), Neelum Jhelum Hydro Project of 1000 MW (Rs.10.8
billion), Guddu Combined Cycle Power Project of 747 MW (Rs.14.6 billion) and
Chicho ki Malian Thermal Power Project 525 MW (Rs.13.9 billion). In addition,
nuclear power projects such as C-3, C-4 for a capacity of 600 MW are also being
implemented and Rs.15.5 billion are allocated. These projects will help meet the
growing energy needs of the country.
f. In the Transport and Communication Sector a sum of Rs.50 billion has been
allocated. Of this, Rs.36 billion has been allocated for NHA and Rs.15 billion
for Railways.
g. Health and Education are now provincial projects. However, some
responsibilities have been voluntarily accepted by the Government in view of
their critical need for the economy. For instance in the health sector Rs.15
billion have been allocated to finance vertical programs such as Expanded
Program for Immunization, Lady Health Workers, Primary Health Care and National
Maternal Neonatal and Child Health program. In the education sector, HEC will
remain the financial responsibility of the federal Government and during the
year Rs.40 billion have been allocated for its development programs besides
bearing the full amount of current expenditures. Population welfare program will
also be funded by the federal Government at a cost of Rs.4 billion.
h. For special areas, including FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK an amount of
Rs.28 billion has been kept to promote development in these areas.
i. Rs.33 billion have been allocated for People’s Works Program which are small
infrastructure schemes undertaken on the recommendations of the
Parliamentarians.
j. In keeping with our growth strategy we will invest in the infrastructure of
our major cities. In particular, this year we hope to start mass transit
projects in Karachi and Lahore.
Relief to Government Employees
Madam Speaker,
49. The Government last year allowed an ad-hoc monthly allowance equal to 50% of
basic pay. In addition, there was an increase in Medical Allowance and Pension.
Despite tight financial position, the Government is aware of difficulties being
faced by Government servants and pensioners. In order to provide some economic
relief to the Government servants, following measures are proposed to be
extended to the Civil Servants and the Personnel of the Armed Forces with effect
from 1st July, 2011:-
i. Pensioners who retired on or after 01.07.2002 may be allowed an increase @
15% and those who retired on or before 30.06.2002 may be allowed an increase @
20% in pension.
ii. Existing Conveyance Allowance may be increased by 25% to all the employees
in BPS 1-15 and their equivalent in the Armed Forces.
iii. All the Civil Servants and Personal of the Armed may be allowed Conveyance
Allowance at the prescribed rates irrespective of their place of duty.
iv. Increase in misc allowance mostly admissible to the employees in BPS 1-15.
v. All the ad-hoc relief allowances granted upto 01.07.2009 may be merged in the
Basic Pay Scales-2008 and to introduce the new pay scales.
vi. Compulsory Monetization of transport facility to the Civil Servants in
BPS-20 to BPS-22 of the Federal Government.
vii. Increase in pay @ of 15% to all Government Employees and the personnel of
Arm Forces w.e.f. 1st July, 2011.
Madam Speaker,
50. It is important to undertake detailed scrutiny of all expenditures in order
to reduce Government expenditure and to assess which expenditures are essential
for the welfare of the people. The Government is establishing an independent
commission to scrutinize all development and current expenditure with a view to
ensuring their necessity, efficacy and value to the public exchequer.
51. The salary structure of the Government has been distorted. The Government is
thus establishing an independent commission to examine the structure of pay and
allowances across the public services to bring equity and fairness across them.
Revised Estimates FY 2010-11, Budget Estimates FY 2011-12
Madam Speaker,
52. Let me now highlight the key features of the Budget 2011-12.
(i) The federal budgetary outlay for FY 12 is proposed at Rs. 2504 billion which
is 12.3% higher than current year’s outlay and total net federal revenues are
projected at Rs. 1529 billion. This translates into a projected federal fiscal
deficit of Rs. 975 billion. Owing to higher revenue transfer to provinces
through 7th NFC award, a fiscal surplus of Rs. 125 billion is expected from
provinces. Overall fiscal deficit would be at the level of Rs 850
billion i.e. 4% of GDP.
(ii) Gross federal revenues (tax and non-tax) are projected at Rs. 2732 billion.
FBR collection is projected at Rs. 1952 billion (FBR tax to GDP ratio of 9.3%).
(iii) A sum of Rs. 1203 billion will be transferred to the provinces under the
7th NFC Award compared to Rs. 998 billion estimated (revised) during the current
financial year.
PART-II
TAXATION PROPOSALS
Madam Speaker,
53. I turn now to an issue of the greatest importance in the budget. This is our
historic failure to mobilize our resources. Our inability to raise tax-to-GDP
ratio.
Madam Speaker,
54. If we are really concerned about our sovereignty, if we actually want a
better quality of life for our citizens, then we have to be self-reliant. We
have to collect more revenues at the domestic level. A country the size of
Pakistan cannot be managed in a self-reliant manner if our tax-to-GDP ratio
continues to remain as low as 10%. If the tax-to-GDP ratio of Sri Lanka can be
14%, of India 16%, of Malaysia 18% and Turkey 29% - why is it that Pakistan’s
revenue base is one of the lowest in the entire world?
Madam Speaker,
55. Just look at some facts relating to income tax.
• We are a country with a population of 180 million
• Only 2.8 million individuals are registered for income tax
• Only 1.5 million actually file returns
Madam Speaker,
56. There is huge affluence in Pakistan amidst a sea of poverty. Yet the
affluent do not wish to be taxed. We have to correct that. The Government has
compiled credible data of people living in huge bungalows in posh localities,
driving luxury vehicles, possessing assets and bank accounts, traveling abroad
at will, who do not pay a single paisa of their income as tax. Indeed, these
individuals do not even possess a tax number!
Madam Speaker,
57. The Government has narrowed in on these individuals. We have identified 2.3
million such individuals. We have selected 700,000 individuals, for the first
round to make them pay taxes. 71,000 notices have already been issued. In the
next three months, each one of them would have been put on notice. Madam Speaker
it is our resolve to pursue these non-taxpayers, bring them in the tax net and
add to the revenue base of our country. The initial results are most
encouraging. 9687 people who were sent notices have filed returns. Of the
initial 7484 provisional assessments made, a tax demand of around Rs.3 billion
has been created.
Madam Speaker,
58. While the Government is determined to increase the tax base of Pakistan the
people of Pakistan lookup to this august House and to its Parliamentarians to
lead the way and discharge their responsibility in promoting a culture of paying
tax. Each one of us has a personal and a joint responsibility to emerge as
leaders in the campaign for tax compliance. God forbid, if we shirk our
responsibility in this cause, we would have failed our nation.
Madam Speaker,
59. After the passage of the 7th NFC award and the 18th Constitutional Amendment
much of the potential for growth in tax revenue has shifted to the Provincial
Governments. The Constitutional amendment gives the Provinces more autonomy but
along with it comes the responsibility to maintain fiscal discipline. The
enhanced role of Provincial Governments must compel them to take the lead in
ensuring an equitable tax structure and to effectively bring in areas such as
agriculture income, services and property in the tax net.
Madam Speaker,
60. Our country suffers from an absence of a responsive tax culture. Tax evasion
is a big problem. This evasion is only possible with the collusion of the tax
machinery. I wish to share with you some facts about tax evasion in our country:
• Only 50% of registered corporate taxpayers and withholding agents file their
returns.
• Only 100,000 persons are registered under sales tax. Even out of this small
number, 24% do not file sales tax returns.
• There are massive complaints about evasion in customs duties through
under-invoicing and under-valuation.
• Alarming anomalies have surfaced in Afghan Transit Trade; the missing
containers case is only one instance of its misuse.
Madam Speaker,
61. We have already taken steps to curb tax evasion and corruption in our
country. We are fully committed to collect all taxes. FBR has been shaken up.
Hundreds of placements have been made without influence and politics. Merit is
our only criterion. I have personally addressed the rank and file of FBR. I have
made it clear to them that if they work honestly and diligently, I would
personally champion their case for rewards and performance bonuses. I have also
informed them that corruption and slackness would not be tolerated. They would
have to go. There cannot be any compromise on this principle. We cannot afford
it! Our country cannot afford it!
Madam Speaker,
61. Let me share with you the results shown by a rejuvenated FBR:
• It is this very FBR which has collated data from different sources, including
NADRA, to identify the affluent who do not pay any tax.
• It is this very FBR which is making concerted efforts to bring 700,000
non-taxpayers into the tax net.
• It is this very FBR which, in just three months, has detected a short
deduction of Rs.25 billion in withholding taxes.
• It is this very FBR which has detected Rs.26 billion in irregular input
adjustment in sales tax; FIRs have been lodged against all companies involved,
without fear and favour.
• The FBR has completed 3577 risk based audit, raising a demand of Rs.42 billion
and collecting Rs.3.4 billion already.
• The FBR has been re-activated to pursue in Courts, the recovery of tax demand
of Rs.131 billion; applications for early hearing of cases and vacation of stay
orders beyond six months are being filed and monitored on a monthly basis.
Madam Speaker,
62. This is just a beginning. More needs to be done. My point is that an
organization which was the subject of public ridicule and scorn can be changed
into an effective and functional organization provided we are prepared to accept
and discharge our leadership role. Allow me to share with you some data on a
matter of constant public concern, that is, tax refunds:
• The regime of sales tax refunds has been criticized by the stakeholders and
businesses for slowness and corruption. It was alleged that even genuine refund
cheques were only available after paying a price.
• Taking note of this practice, we introduced a centralized system of cheque
distribution at FBR level in end September, 2010. Please see what has happened!
• In the period September to May, 09-10, only 13,000 cheques worth Rs.16 billion
were refunded; in the same period for 10-11, 46,600 cheques worth Rs.40 billion
have been refunded
Madam Speaker,
63. I can claim with pride that all these cheques were issued to the taxpayers
in a most transparent manner and without the exchange of a single paisa of
graft. I quote believe that with resolve and good intentions we will be able to
minimize and ultimately eliminate corruption from our tax machinery. In this
regard, we are optimizing the use of technology to reduce the unnecessary
contact between the taxpayer and the taxman.
Madam Speaker,
64. Administrative reforms in the FBR must be accompanied by structural changes
in our taxation system. One important example is replacement of our prevalent
sales tax system with a modern, integrated and reformed system. The reformed GST
legislation is pending with the Parliament, for approval.
Meanwhile, we propose to continue with our structural reforms in this direction.
Madam Speaker,
65. In March, 2011 we removed some zero ratings and exemptions from the sales
tax regime. We are continuing with our efforts to remove distortions in our
sales tax system by removing more exemptions and zero ratings. However, I hold
out a pledge that in our tax proposals relating to sales tax we have protected
those sectors which affect the common man. Madam Speaker, I affirm that the
Government does not wish to propose any sales tax on food items, education
sector and health sector. In addition, no sales tax is leviable on agricultural
produce. We also propose to abide by our international commitments on sales tax
exemption, as well as protect charities from the operation of sales tax law.
Madam Speaker,
66. Since we have embarked on a program of broadening the tax base and reforming
our system of sales tax, I have the privilege to announce a reduction in the
rate of sales tax from 17% to 16%. On full implementation of the sales tax
reforms we pledge to reduce the rate even further. This reduction, on an across
the board basis, would lower prices, provide relief to the common man as well as
reduce the cost of doing business for our trade and industry.
Madam Speaker,
67. This budget presents a vision for future tax reform in Pakistan.
• We believe in equitable taxation; all sectors of the economy and all persons
deriving income beyond the exemption limit should be brought in the tax net.
• In this context we are working closely with the provinces to improve the
systems and collections from agriculture income tax, sales tax on services and
taxes on property.
• I have already spoken in detail about the efforts at the federal level to
bring non-taxpayers into the tax net and to minimize tax evasion.
• In our vision the tax system needs to be simple. As such, we propose to move
away from multiple tax regimes and retain just three main taxes – income tax,
sales tax and custom duties.
Madam Speaker,
68. In furtherance of this objective, I am happy to announce that:
• All special excise duties are proposed to be abolished.
• In addition, 15 items out of the list of 46 federal excises are proposed to be
removed from the excise law.
• 392 regulatory duties out of 397 are proposed to be abolished, limiting these
to luxury vehicles, cigarettes, arms and ammunitions, betel nuts and sanitary
ware / tiles.
• FED on cement shall be phased out in 3 years. A reduction of Rs. 200/MT is
proposed in the first year and equal reduction of the balance of Rs. 500/MT in
the next two budgets.
• Further, federal excise duty on beverages is also being phased out. It is
being reduced to 6% this year and would be completely abolished next year.
Madam Speaker,
69. The revenue loss on account of the above measures would be compensated by
the following:
• Removal of selected exemptions and zero-ratings under GST.
• Revision of federal excise structure on cigarettes.
• Revision in rate of tax in lieu of value added tax on commercial importers
from 2% to 3%.
• Improving tax compliance through effective monitoring and risk based audits
Madam Speaker,
70. We are contemplating different schemes to incentivise the taxpayer to become
fully compliant; prizes on sales tax receipts would be offered during the year
to customers who retain these receipts. In this way, we propose to create a
partnership with our citizens and make then responsible for ensuring that taxes
paid by them are not pilfered by withholding agents.
Madam Speaker,
71. Several initiatives have been taken in this budget to promote investment,
which include increasing the money base for private credit, special incentives
for equity based projects, BMR, expansion of existing production capacity and
capital market growth measures.
72. Allow me to highlight the fiscal measures for banking sector/capital market
growth measures:
• In order to increase the money base for private credit and to provide an
incentive to individuals and non-residents, the tax rate on interest income from
Government securities will be 10% with no tax return requirement.
• The rate of withholding tax on cash withdrawal is being brought down from 0.3%
to 0.2%.
• Last year we provided a 5% tax credit to a company in the year of its
enlistment. This year, this rate is being increased to 15%.
• Limit for adjustment of minimum tax on turnover is being increased from 3
years to 5 years.
73. In order to promote savings, some of the measures taken are:
• Tax credits for investment in shares through IPOs and in voluntary pension
funds are being allowed at 15% from 5%.
• Capping of Rs. 500,000 is being deleted to encourage investments in voluntary
pension scheme.
And for facilitating exports:
• Supply against international tenders is proposed to be treated as deemed
exports since winning of international tenders by local bidders is important to
promote entry into international procurement markets.
Madam Speaker,
74. We are aware of the increase in cost of living and of our responsibility to
deliver financial assistance where needed and support families and their
children. At the cost of repetition, let me announce that:
• The GST rate is being reduced from 17% to 16%.
• Special excise duty is being abolished. Some federal excise duties are also
being abolished; others are being phased out.
• The Government has also decided to raise the tax-free limit from Rs. 300,000
to Rs. 350,000. However incomes above Rs. 300,000 would continue to be subjected
to filing of returns, to institute a culture of compliance; no wealth statement
would be required on incomes upto Rs. 1 million; at present the threshold is Rs.
500,000.
• We are not increasing custom duty on any product. In fact, for 31 categories,
customs duty is being simplified and reduced.
• Custom duty on 22 essential raw materials for the pharma industry used for
producing anti-biotic, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic and TB medicines are being
reduced substantially.
• I am also happy to announce that as promised, there is no extension in the
duration of the one-off taxes levied due to floods:
15% surcharge on income tax and 1.5% increase in special excise duty.
• Regulatory duty on 392 out of 397 items is being abolished.
Madam Speaker,
75. Our country suffers from the menace of smuggling and under-invoicing.
The Afghan Transit Trade facility is being abused by some of our importers
creating distortions in the market. I am happy to report that we have signed the
Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 2010. Under the agreement it has
been made mandatory to submit financial guarantees equivalent to leviable taxes.
This guarantee would only be releasable on cross-match of data with Afghan
Customs. The following measures are also noteworthy:
• Equipment support such as weigh bridges, container scanners and tracking posts
will be installed to monitor movement of containers
• transport of afghan transit goods has been restricted to vehicles of customs
bonded carriers hired by NLC for effective monitoring and inventory control
• A mechanism for exchange of data through Electronic Data Interfacing (EDI) is
being established at Torkhum and Chamman.
• a national valuation database has been established which provides online
access for verification of mis-declaration of value.
Madam Speaker,
76. I have presented the highlights of our taxation measures for the financial
year 2011-12. The full details have been provided in the Finance Bill.
Madam Speaker,
77. I would like to graciously appreciate the guidance and support that I and my
team continue to get from the President, Prime Minister, my Cabinet colleagues
and all other members of the Government. This year has been difficult. But our
efforts have paid off. With difficulty we seem to have navigated troubled waters
and are beginning to see calm sea. However, there is much to be done to
consolidate stabilization and accelerate and sustain growth.
78. Through this year we have engaged in an extensive consultative process
across the country to share the challenges that we face. In addition we have
been totally transparent in all policy deliberations with our allies as well as
the opposition. In this connection I would like to extend my gratitude and
professional appreciation to our allied political parties-ANP, MQM and PML-Q. I
and my team have benefited enormously from interactions with several civil
society organizations and forums, such as the Chambers of Commerce. In
particular I would like to mention the efforts of the experts of the Economic
Advisory Council and the Revenue Advisory Council.
Madam Speaker,
79. The Budget that I have presented to you today is ambitious but realistic. It
is embedded in a medium term macroeconomic strategy that will create enabling
environment for strong private sector investment. I am convinced that
implementation of this budget and strategy will secure the foundations of
financial discipline that we have been seeking for decades which will push the
economy on to a higher and sustainable growth path.
Madam Speaker,
80. We have laid an ambitious program of reform before you. This reform program
is essential for delivering the vision of a poverty-free and a prosperous
Pakistan entrusted to us by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfiqar
Ali Bhutto. We must prove ourselves worthy of their legacy.
Madam Speaker,
81. I hope that all of us will put aside our minor differences to bring progress
and prosperity to our people who are beset with security challenges, economic
hardships and unrealized dreams. With the help of a united Parliament we can be
assured of a strong implementation of the program and policies that we have
presented to you today. It is this quality of unity that is required to
accelerate us out of a current recession into a high growth trajectory of over
7% per annum to employ our youth.
82. Let us all feel the resolve of our forefathers who created this nation and
take on the challenge to carry it into the 21st century. We must all recall the
golden rule of the Quaid-i-Azam. I quote: “there would be ample revenues from
equitable taxation levied in a manner consistent with social justice to finance
good governance and allow us to have a state as good as any in the world and
better than many sovereign countries on the map of the world today”
83. I thank you Madam Speaker! Pakistan Paindabad
Download Federal Budget Speech 2011-2012
Courtesy: Ministry of Finance Government of Pakistan
Pakistan Budget Speech (Urdu) »
Download Federal Budget Speech 2011-2012
Courtesy: Ministry of Finance Government of Pakistan
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