The public has concerns about the annual increases in the salaries and allowances of government employees, as their finances have become so thin that they are unable to bear the burden of more taxes. On the other hand no measures have been taken by the government to give them relief in the real sense due to which masses are not agreeing on even a single increase in the salaries of government employees.
Public and social circles have adopted a position regarding the fact that pension facilities are also available to government employees and their treatment is also free, so in these circumstances when the people have become poorer, putting pressure on them through taxes will be like adding salt on their wounds. The government have approved 25 percent increase in the salaries of government employees and 15 percent increase in pension. Before the budget session yesterday, the federal cabinet has approved the budget proposals for the next financial year. In addition, the federal cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the budget proposals for the fiscal year 2024-25. The federal cabinet approved the package for farmers, youth and industries. A 25 percent increase in the salaries of employees from grade one to 16 has been approved. Similarly 20 percent increase in the salaries of government employees from grade 17 to grade 22 has also been approved. On that crucial movement of budget session there was a said back for the government that his ally Pakistan people’s party refused to set in the budget session but has indicated to help the government in passing the budget, which is also being criticized that she does not openly hide or come forward so she is accualy supporting the government. There is also an impression that the People’s Party is making such claims to maintain its so-called public identity among the masses. In that regard a well-known website has published the story that despite the differences regarding the federal budget for the next financial year, matters have been settled between people’s party and Muslim League Nawaz. According to that PPP, will vote in favor of the budget even with all reservations.
Meanwhile the government has assured to make some of the proposals of the PPP a part of the budget. It should be remembered that PPP had expressed serious concern over not consulting them regarding budget. In the parliamentary party meeting chaired by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, the committee on the budget proposals of the People’s Party was given time till yesterday to communicate with the government but now there is no danger of any such deadlock. If seen it continues in the coalition governments but the people should be benefit from the tension of these parties so that their basic problems could be solved. PPP is apparently trying to give an impression by disagreeing with its coalition government that it can disagree with its own allies for the rights of masses.
A negative discussion can also be made on this matter but the positive side of it is that the People’s Party is expressing its opinion even in this weak democratic system, which is a good development in the presence of a weak opposition. It is hoped that the situation in which the budget was presented will not get worse and the problems of the people will stop where they are or will not increase further.
If the government succeeds in curbing the economic burden on the people this year, it will surely be a major achievement. However in the environment in which a burden has been placed on the public, there is no hope for improvement but the situation can be prevented from getting worse. Therefore people can expect that the burden placed on masses for increasing government employee’s salary about 30% will be compensated by reducing the prices of food items and medicines.
Now it has to be seen that how the government will be able to implement the goals mentioned in the budget of the revenue from privatization and austerity. In that regard the big test will be for the Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team that how could they achieve their set goals.
