Islamabad: Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired separate meetings on Wednesday with senior officials of Finance Division and Federal Board of Revenue on the upcoming budget at the Ministry of Finance.

Finance Secretary informed the Minister that budget preparations are progressing smoothly according to the prescribed timelines. He also apprised him about proposals for consideration in the budget for FY 2017-18.

Chairman FBR also gave a presentation to the Finance Minister on tax measures envisaged in the next budget, including measures for improvement in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitation to tax-payers.

The Minister urged close coordination and thorough preparations by all departments and ministries involved in budget-related events including the presentation of the budget in the Parliament and launching of the Economic Survey. He said that, in line with the tradition of the last three years, the government is according top priority to the well-being of the general public in the upcoming budget. He said that the budget measures will be focused on employment generation and achieving higher, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The Finance Minister said the budget is being prepared after extensive consultations with all stakeholders including the business community, traders and chambers of commerce and industries, who have all provided valuable and constructive suggestions. He encouraged all concerned officials to continue putting in their best efforts to finalize all the arrangements in a timely manner.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue, and senior officials of FBR and Ministry of Finance also participated in the meetings.