Pakistan Unveils Rs 18.8 Trillion Budget 2026-27: Tax Relief for Salaried Class, Landmark Exemption for Women’s Health Amid Regional Crisis

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Pakistan Unveils Rs 18.8 Trillion Budget 2026-27: Tax Relief for Salaried Class, Landmark Exemption for Women's Health Amid Regional CrisisAuthor of the article: You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Presenting the Federal Budget 2026 in the National Assembly. GNWTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presents federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 during a National Assembly sessionISLAMABAD, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB), which serves as the principal government body responsible for disseminating official communications including national budget announcements, issued the following statement today.Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled Pakistan’s Rs 18.8 trillion federal budget for the fiscal year 2026–2027, which was influenced by global unrest. Earlier this year, the Iran-US war caused disruptions to the world’s oil and LNG markets, driving up gas costs and straining a populace already burdened by inflation, a weak rupee, and tight health and education budgets. The final budget increased education investment and public health infrastructure, particularly cancer treatment and tertiary care, nationally, dispelling early concerns that health and education funding would be cut.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againSteering Through Compounding CrisesThe government cited internal fiscal strain, including debt servicing pressures and GDP growth of 3.7 percent, below target, as the backdrop for this budget in addition to the energy shock. Even as people paid more for fuel and utilities, officials characterised the year’s diplomatic role in reducing regional tensions and new defence cooperation agreements as crucial to rebuilding investor confidence.Taxation: Broad Relief, Sharper EnforcementIn addition to a 7% hike in salaries and pensions and a 10% increase in the minimum wage, the budget proposes income tax relief across four salaried-class slabs, lowering rates for individuals earning between Rs 600,000 and Rs 4.1 million annually by two to five points. The high-income earner surcharge is eliminated. The export surcharge and super tax burden have been reduced for exporters, and a new National Faceless Centre and algorithmic tax-settlement system are intended to reduce discretionary contact between taxpayers and officers.Budget for Dignity: A Tax Cut That Empowers WomenOne budget line deserves more attention: the administration removed the GST on contraceptive and menstrual hygiene products, which were formerly subject to the same 18% tax as other consumer goods. As part of the larger “pink tax” that women have long paid on health necessities, family planning and basic menstrual health items were formerly subject to the same tax burden as non-essentials. Whether something becomes available for a woman, a student, or a household already managing too many basic necessities can be determined by a tax exemption. This adjustment eliminates one financial barrier for a woman managing her health with dignity or a couple debating whether they can afford contraception.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Agriculture: Rebuilding the Economy’s BackboneA new Rs 7.1 billion Agri Storage Financing Facility to increase grain storage capacity for farmers, easier access to credit through interest-free digital loan schemes for smallholders, and ongoing rollout of electrification and rural livelihood programmes are all part of the budget’s emphasis on agriculture as a growth priority.The budget, which was developed through consultation with coalition partners, opposition input, and business community feedback, is described by the government as a foundation for stability rather than a completed journey with the goal of providing relief and growth to every household, farmer, and young worker nationwide.Muhammad Subayyal muhammad.subayyal@walee.pkNotice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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