Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says the budget for the fiscal year 2007-08 is relief and growth-oriented, which is focused towards creation of jobs and reduction in the prices of essential commodities.
Talking to PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and other parliamentarians here on Monday, the prime minister said the government had initiated a historic development programme and the budget would fuel uplift activities.
He said the government had always focused on development of the masses with developmental schemes for road, electrification, health, education and infrastructure to improve their living standard. Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan Muslim League and its coalition partners were proud of this budget and it would have a long-term impact on the economy.
PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said the budget was balanced and has been well received by the masses, who have shown a positive reaction to it. He said the budget had proposed increase in salaries, pensions and minimum wages, which would help create job opportunities, increase people's income providing them with relief and betterment.
The meeting reviewed the budget discussions in both houses and voting on cut-motions and other budgetary proposals would start from Tuesday. The meeting also discussed the overall political situation in the country as well as the upcoming general elections. Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghauri, Senator Talha Hashmi and Sardar Nasrullah Dareeshak also attended the meeting.