Balochistan : Syed Aman Shah, Provincial Convener of Awam Pakistan Party Balochistan, has expressed serious reservations regarding the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. While acknowledging certain positive steps—such as the slight reduction in tax rates for the real estate sector, salaried class, traders, and the pharmaceutical industry—he criticized several key decisions that may negatively affect common citizens and small businesses.
He pointed out that policies like mandatory digital transactions instead of cash will severely impact small, often uneducated traders who lack access to debit or credit cards. Furthermore, the enforcement of barcode invoicing under threat of goods seizure could lead to forced business closures.
Syed Aman Shah also criticized the increase in multiple taxes on electricity and petroleum products, as well as the imposition of taxes on solar panels. These steps, he argued, will only worsen inflation and reduce exports. He stated that the budget provides no real economic relief and fails to introduce any effective strategy to combat inflation. The increase in taxes on essential items and the likely surge in utility bills have made basic living costs unbearable for the average citizen.
He emphasized that the government must adopt economic policies that offer tangible relief to the common man rather than make life even harder. He lamented that every year, budget policies are crafted with a focus on major urban centers, while the realities of smaller districts—especially those affected by terrorism—are entirely ignored. These areas’ unique challenges and suggestions are not reflected in the budget, nor are local stakeholders consulted, which contributes to the ongoing cycle of problems.
Syed Aman Shah proposed that budget policies should be categorized according to the specific needs of each region to ensure practical and reality-based implementation. He further stated that there are several untapped sources of national income. If local communities’ concerns are addressed, these can be developed to build a stable economic foundation for the country.
He urged the federal government to seriously review the proposed measures in the budget and incorporate inclusive, ground-level perspectives to create a more just and effective economic policy.
