The government fully realizes the problems beings faces by the masses due to rising inflation, but it was compelled to take tough measures to strengthen the economy.

The reasons for such an economic issue have to be examined, he stressed during his address to the National Assembly. 

The finance minister said taxes are being levied on the flight routes while the duty on cigarettes will be paid as per the Finance Bill 2023.

A lot will be adjusted in the bill to be presented in June, he said stressing that the government will cope with the challenges and the crisis will be overcome at the earliest.

He said the corona relaxations have been withdrawn. He said the government has allocated an additional amount of Rs40 billion for Benazir Income Support Programme, approving a 25% rise in the stipend of BISP beneficiaries.

Ishaq Dar said the premier will soon announce a comprehensive policy to reduce government expenditure.

The National Assembly passed the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2023, proposing the imposition of additional taxes and duties of Rs170 billion.

According to the bill, the General Sales Tax (GST) will be increased from 17 per cent to 18 per cent. It has also been decided to enhance the GST on luxury items from 17 per cent to 25 per cent. The bill has proposed the imposition of a fixed amount of Federal Excise Duty ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs75,000 of different tiers on airfare for first, business and club classes should be imposed.