Pakistan's government targeted a sharp hike in tax revenues on Tuesday as it presented plans for next year's budget, amid shouts and protests from opponents in parliament angry at measures set under pressure for an IMF loan agreement.
Seeking final approval for an International Monetary Fund bailout, the government had already prepared the ground for widespread belt-tightening. But the goals unveiled by Revenue Minister Hammad Azhar for the fiscal year to June 2020 underlined the scale of the economic challenges it faces.
He forecast a budget deficit of 7.1 percent of gross domestic product after the gap in the current year blew out to 7.2 percent.
He also targeted federal tax revenues of 5.55 trillion rupees ($36.80 billion), up 25 percent and driven by a lower introductory threshold for income tax and a clampdown on tax evasion.
The government failed to hit the last fiscal year's goal of 4.44 trillion rupees. "Until we improve our tax system, Pakistan will not progress," Azhar said.
Spending is set to rise to 7.02 trillion rupees, 30 percent above last year's target, he said.
Amid chaotic scenes in parliament, opposition lawmakers brandished banners reading "Say no to IMF budget!" and shouting slogans against the government.
Prime Minister Imran Khan's administration has been forced to seek what would be Pakistan's 13th IMF bailout since the late 1980s to stabilise an economy that has seen growth plunge while teetering on the verge of a balance of payments crisis.
The rupee has lost about a third of its value this year and inflation has jumped above 9 percent.
In April, the government secured a provisional $6 billion IMF loan, but it is contingent on measures being taken to cut a budget gap that the Fund forecast at 7 percent in 2018/19.
TINY TAX BASE
Handicapped by a weak fiscal system, Pakistan has historically struggled to collect tax revenues. Only 1.8 million people file income tax returns in a fast-growing nation with a population of 208 million and a large informal economy.
The agricultural sector, dominated by big, politically powerful landowners, makes up around 20 percent of the economy but accounts for only 0.22 percent of direct taxes, according to the World Bank.
With households increasingly squeezed by high prices for food, energy and household goods, the government has faced increasing anger and Azhar announced a 10 percent cut in ministerial salaries and an increase in the minimum wage.
"The first couple of years are going to be tough but then we will start reaping the fruits of our hard work," Azhar said, promising to limit future borrowing.
Pakistan expects to raise $2 billion from the sale of two liquified natural gas (LNG) power plants, and another $1 billion from the auction of mobile licences, he said.
The government has already slashed its year to June 2019 growth forecast to 3.3 percent from the 6.2 percent predicted at the time of the last budget. The IMF's estimates growth of around 2.9 percent.
For the coming year to June 2020, the government expects growth at 4 percent.
Under the terms of the IMF loan, the government is also expected to let the rupee depreciate to help tackle an unsustainable current account deficit and aim for a primary budget deficit - excluding debt servicing costs - of 0.6 percent.
Despite promises, the army would rein in spending and widespread expectations that the military's hefty budget would be cut, the spending target for the armed forces was increased by 4.5 percent to 1.15 trillion rupees.
Last year the government allocated the military about 20 percent of the 5.6 trillion federal budget. Officials say the military overshot that figure, in part due to a flare-up with India over Kashmir.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Phase five Lok Sabha polls: Rae Bareli, Amethi among 14 UP seats going to polls on Monday
May 19, 2024 1:03 PM
AAP protest walk: Arvind Kejriwal challenges BJP to arrest entire party, Delhi Police imposes Section 144
May 19, 2024 12:26 PM
Terror attacks in Kashmir raise concerns ahead of May 20 and May 25 election
May 19, 2024 12:15 PM