Budget 2017-2018

The government has increased the pension of the retired employees by only 10 percent. Pensioners have been demanding for a 20 percent increase for a long time. Many argued that the meagre pension is not enough to meet their monthly expenses. They have also pointed out that the medical allowance given by the government is insufficient.

They have been requesting the government for so long to increase their pension by a sufficient amount. However, the higher authorities are not dealing with this matter prudently.

Shakir Shamim

Skardu

 

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Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented the budget on Friday (May 26), setting out the government’s plans for borrowing, taxes and spending. The minister mainly highlighted the country’s economic growth and didn’t point out the challenges the economy is facing.

What matters most for the country’s economy is dealing with the current account deficit. The country’s exports are also declining rapidly. But, the finance minister didn’t mention how the government will tackle these issues. The other thing that disappointed a majority is the minimum wage. The minimum wage of labourers is set at Rs15,000 – an increase of only Rs1,000. Keeping in view the high inflation, the minimum wage should have been at least Rs20,000. The government should review this matter.

Tariq Hussain Khan

Karachi