Strict measures are being taken against drug traffickers across Pakistan in order to eradicate the plague of addiction, as directed by the country’s military leadership and administration.
According to the statement, from April 21 to 28, in various operations, the relevant agencies seized 1025779 kg of drugs from across the country and arrested 1318 drug dealers.
During this period, 73 kg of drugs were recovered from Balochistan, including 70 kg of hashish and 3 kg of meth, 252 kg of drugs were recovered from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 197 kg of hashish, 51 kg of opium and others.
Drugs comprising 83 kilograms were taken from Gilgit-Baltistan; this included 4 kg of meth, 5 kg of heroin, and 73 kg of hashish. 78 kg of hashish, 6 kg of meth, 81 kg of opium, and other substances were among the 167 kg of drugs that were taken from Punjab. From Sindh, 13 kg of narcotics were taken by the relevant authorities.
The relevant institutions are committed to carrying out their ongoing efforts to eradicate narcotics from the entire country.
Budget preparations for the new fiscal year have encountered delays as the Finance Ministry grapples with negotiations for a potential new bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The agreed schedule for budget preparation, including the submission of the budget strategy paper and Annual Plan Coordination Committee meetings, could not be followed due to the impending arrival of an IMF delegation.
Finance Ministry officials claim the upcoming IMF mission will be consulted on the new budget. In connection with negotiations for a new bailout package with Pakistan, an IMF delegation is reaching Pakistan later this month.
The budget strategy paper was originally slated for completion and approval by the federal cabinet by April 22. Moreover, even the budget strategy paper for the next three years, 2024-2027, has yet to be completed. Annual Plan Coordination Committee meetings, crucial for budget determination for all ministries, have also not been held despite being scheduled for the first week of May.
As per the sources, the National Economic Council meeting is set for the second week of May, while the completion of budget documents for cabinet approval is targeted by month-end.
The budget is expected to be tabled in parliament in the first week of June, after all the budget documents have been approved by the cabinet. According to sources, the government wants to take tough decisions in the new budget as per the IMF guidelines.
Proposed changes in the budget include increased costs for electricity, gas, and taxes across various sectors, especially real estate. Additionally, measures against benami property ownership are proposed, with a focus on allocating development funds solely for ongoing projects.
The delay in budget preparation underscores the government’s commitment to adhering to IMF stipulations while striving for economic stability and reform. As negotiations with the IMF continue, Pakistan faces critical decisions aimed at ensuring fiscal sustainability and growth in the coming fiscal year.
