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BUDGET
SPEECH
2011-2012
DR. ABDUL HAFEEZ SHAIKH
Minister for Finance, Revenue,
Economic Affairs, Statistics and
Planning & Development
Text of Budget Speech for Fiscal Year 2011-12
Introduction: Democracy is Functioning
Madam Speaker,
1.
Let me start in the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. I
am thankful to Allah for the responsibility placed upon me to present the
fourth budget of the democratic Government before this historic Parliament.
2. In presenting the fourth budget, Prime Minister Gilani, has become,
after Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Liaqat Ali Khan, the longest running
PM in Pakistan's history. This is a great tribute to the political leadership
of our country, to
President Zardari, to the leadership of all the major political parties.
2. This is a historic Parliament. It reflects the will of the people.
It has set high standards of debate. It has conducted itself honorably. It
has passed landmark legislation. It has strengthened the Federation. It has
redressed historical inequities. It has empowered the provinces. Above all,
it has restored the constitution.
3. The Constitution of Pakistan was framed in 1973 by Shaheed Zulfikar
Ali Bhutto and the national leaders of that time. It was a shining moment
for Pakistan.
In that moment we all came together. Our Constitution was assaulted in 1977.
It took us 32 years to restore the constitution. This national duty was performed
by this House. Let us pay a tribute to those who are responsible for meeting
the aspirations of our people. Let us pay a tribute to the President Asif
Ali Zardari,
who voluntarily gave up his powers to the Parliament. Leader of the House,
Prime Minister Gilani, and Leader of the Opposition, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan
also deserve special tribute for playing a key role in ensuring the supremacy
of the Parliament. The restoration of the Constitution was another shining
moment. We
again came together. A new Pakistan emerged. A new beginning was made.
Madam Speaker,
4. Whenever we have come together we have surprised the world with
our achievements. In 1947 when we came together we overcame the odds and this
country was born. In 1965 when our country was attacked we came together,
and aggression was resisted. In 1998 we came together to protect our nation
and the
world witnessed our capabilities. In the earthquake of 2005 and the floods
of 2010 we came together and showed the world our resilience and generosity.
5. This is a Pakistan in which democracy has made a comeback. The new
Pakistan is also one of coalition politics. Of give and take. Of the balancing
of forces. Of developing shared understanding. Of lively public discourse.
Of getting along. Of generating consensus. Of responsiveness to Parliament,
the media, the
business community, civil society, and above all, to the People of Pakistan.
The judiciary is free to interpret the Constitution, to apply checks on the
Government, and to provide justice.
The media is free to report, to comment, and to critique.
Provincial Governments have been assigned greater responsibilities and given
greater resources. The Parliamentary committees provide oversight and scrutiny
on the working of the Government. The financial institutions like the State
Bank,
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Competition Commission enjoy
extraordinary autonomy. They are empowered to conduct monetary policy, regulate
the financial sector, and curb monopolies and cartels. The regulatory bodies
such as PTA, NEPRA, OGRA, are free to conduct their affairs without
Government intervention. And in an extraordinary act of bipartisanship, a
move unheard of in parliamentary history, the Leader of the Opposition is
the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. And he performs this role with
great responsibility and enthusiasm. These are the foundations of a new Pakistan
that
make us all proud.
Madam Speaker,
6. However, a lot of hard work still needs to be done. We must let
democracy take root. We must safeguard our freedoms. We must allow our institutions
to strengthen. We have to build sound governance that serves people.
Madam Speaker, with hard work I am confident that the foundations for transformation
will be securely laid.
The Economy We Inherited
Madam Speaker,
7. Let us all recall where the economy was when this House and this
Government took charge in 2008. My friend, Senator Ishaq Dar sahib, who was
the first Finance Minister of this Government, was rightly alarmed at the
state of the economy that he inherited. He said then;
"The mismanagement of economy has resulted in overspending of Rs. 558
billion and if the Government does not take corrective measures then fiscal
deficit will touch 9.5 per cent of GDP by June 2008."
8. By 2007, a combination of oil price increases, expenditure on security
and policy lapses had set the stage for a full blown crisis. The fiscal space
created by the 2001 debt rescheduling and successful privatization was squandered
by fueling a consumption boom instead of undertaking structural reforms in
the
country. Double digit inflation has been recorded since 2006 and had reached
to an alarming level of 25%, perhaps the highest ever. Growth had slowed down,
fiscal deficit had ballooned to 7.6%, and the external current account deficit
was 8.5%. International reserves had declined from 16 to 6 billion dollars
and a sharp
decline in the value of the rupee and the further evaporation of reserves
was imminent.
The Government Response
Madam Speaker,
9. Thus, the Government of President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani,
inherited on March 8, 2008, a fragile economy, an acute BOP crisis and a large
fiscal shock. The Government had no choice but to go to the IMF. A stabilization
program was sought amounting to $11.1 billion to strengthen our international
reserves, and tighten fiscal and monetary policies to fight inflation.
10. The efforts of the Government began to pay off. Inflation was moderated
and the. growth momentum started to return. The fiscal deficit was brought
down and new pro poor schemes were launched. Areas where we needed to show
better results were in domestic resource mobilization, creation of new jobs
in private
sector, resolving the energy shortages and better targeting of subsidies.
Budget 2010-11
Madam Speaker,
11. One challenge that the Budget for FY 2010/11 faced was that this
was the first year after the landmark NFC Award, which substantially enhanced
the share of Provincial Governments in the divisible pool and increased the
challenge of the Federal government to finance its expenditure obligations.
We however, consider it a temporary difficulty that in the long run is the
best thing that has happened to augment the welfare of our people. Since,
a much bigger share of expenditure responsibilities that affect our people,
such as health, education and law and order
are provided by the Provincial Governments, we are hopeful that national expenditures
on these services will rise as additional resources are transferred from the
federation to the provinces.
12. It was against this setting that the Budget for FY 2010-11 was
presented in which we took several measures to provide relief to our citizens.
Salaries were increased by 50%, benefitting Government employees. Tax exemption
limits were increased from Rs 100,000 to Rs 300,000 benefitting 1.2 million
low income tax
payers. No income taxes were levied. Custom duties were not increased for
any item and brought down for 29 to reduce the burden on the public. A comprehensive
reform proposal for sales tax was offered doing away with exemptions and special
treatments and capital gains tax was imposed to bring
short term gains from stock trading into the tax net. Very importantly, a
deficit target was fixed at 4% and strong austerity measures were introduced
to check inflation. All non-salary expenditures of the federal Government
were frozen at
the level of previous year's actual. The PSDP was also frozen at the previous
year's level. To protect the poor and vulnerable segments, targeted social
safety nets such as BISP were enhanced.
Adverse Shocks
Madam Speaker,
13. However, soon after the budget three major events jolted us severely
which I would like to share with this august House:
Our country was struck by the greatest natural calamity of our history: The
Great Floods of 2010. The world has not seen a calamity of this magnitude
in modern times. No country has had to deal with a disaster of this scale.
No area of the country was spared. The floods struck us all the way from the
mountains in the
north to the sea in the south, covering a length of a thousand miles. All
four provinces were affected. Eighty plus districts were inundated. Families
saw their loved ones drown. Farmers saw their standing crops - of rice and
cotton -- destroyed. People saw their homes washed away. Our brothers and
sisters had to spend days in fear and nights under open skies. Bridges, roads,
railways, dams,
power plants, factories, refineries, irrigations systems, schools, hospitals
and other infrastructure were impacted. Entire towns like Nowshera, Charsaddah,
Muzzafargarh, Rajanpur, Jacobabad, Khairpur Nathan Shah and Qambar- Shadadkot
and Jafferabad and Dera Allahyar were submerged or cut off for weeks.
Madam Speaker,
14. Once the waters had receded only then could the economic toll be
calculated: 20 million people affected; 1.6 million homes damaged; 2 million
ha of standing crops destroyed; 300,000 cattle lost; 25,000 km of roads destroyed;
inflation increased due to disruption of supplies while revenue collection
suffered.
The overall assessment of damage stood at $10 billion or Rs 850 billion and
GDP growth reduced by two percent. The requirements of looking after the flood
affected, allocations for their support and rehabilitation, resulted in additional
fiscal strain on the Government and the macro-economic framework had to be
adjusted.
15. While the floods caused us grave economic hardship….and the
effects will be felt for a long time…. they also showed the true character,
resilience, dignity, generosity and strength of our people. Many in the international
community helped us both through the UN and through bilateral support. These
included the US, Japan, UK, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE and others. We
are thankful to all of them. I would like to pay a special tribute to the
First Lady of Turkey who donated her personal necklace to be auctioned to
help our brothers and sisters.
While others helped, the big story of the Floods is that Pakistanis helped
Pakistanis. They opened their homes and their hearts for their brothers and
sisters.
The Government, its organisations like the armed services, the NDMA, elected
representatives and above all the civil society rose to the occasion and we
again became a nation united, both, in sharing of the pain and in sharing
of our generosity. Let us pay a tribute to those who reached out. Let us also
pay a tribute
to overseas Pakistanis, from Oslo to Jeddah and from Houston to Abu Dhabi
for their support. Above all let us recognize whose hearts were there for
their fellow countrymen. Above all let us honor the resilience, the strength
and the grace of the people of Pakistan who have suffered this calamity. We
salute you. We will
not forget your suffering. And we will do whatever we can to alleviate your
suffering and bring you back into the economic mainstream.
16. The Government tried to deal with the floods at various levels. A program
of Cash Compensation was launched for giving Rs. 160 billion. In the first
phase Rs. 32 billion have been disbursed. Farmers have been given subsidized
credit and fertilizer and seeds. The cost of this package is Rs. 8 billion.
Hundreds of billions
of rupees are being allocated for the rehabilitation and development of flood
affected infrastructure.
Madam Speaker,
17. The second factor which impacted us seriously was the unexpected
increase in the international price of oil. As you know, dependence on imported
oil is a great source of vulnerability and threat to our economy. The price
of oil is affected by the increase in the demand from the fast growing economies
of Asia,
the matters of psychology and speculation, and of course the uncertainty and
disruption of supplies from the recent developments in the oil producing Middle
East. Madam Speaker, when our last year's budget was prepared the price of
oil
was expected to be in the range of 70-75 dollars per barrel. However, the
prices rose to $125 per barrel during the year.
Madam Speaker,
18. The high price of oil pushed up prices of many products, caused
hardship to our citizens and severely impacted the supply of electricity and
threatened the stability of the economy. The Government tried its best to
keep prices low for less privileged income groups. The Government even sacrificed
more than Rs.50
billion of its own in the process. Unfortunately, there is no good way to
subsidize only the needy. The rich benefit from the subsidy as well. Thus,
while the Government loses money the benefit is enjoyed not only by the poor
users of public transport but also by the rich owners of luxury cars. This
is not a fair system. We must show courage and move away from such general
subsidies to
subsidies only for the deserving. I will say more on this subject later in
my speech.
19. Madam Speaker, the third factor which continued to affect us adversely
was security. We live in a difficult neighborhood. We are faced with threats
to our country's security. We remain engaged in a struggle for the safety
of our citizens.
We are the victims of war and terrorism. We have paid a heavy price. 5,000
of our jawans have embraced martyrdom. 30,000 of our citizens have lost their
lives.
Even women and children have not been spared. Our towns, villages and bazaars
have been bombed. Our schools and hospitals have been targeted. Our FC academy,
our Intelligence offices, our police stations, our navy installations and
even our GHQ has been attacked. Even our mosques and the shrines of Bari Imam,
Data Darbar and, Abdullah Shah Ghazi have not been spared. I want to pay a
tribute Madam Speaker to our armed forces, to our paramilitary, to our police
and above all to our citizens. I want them to know that the nation is with
you.
That we salute you. And that in these difficult times we have to stand united.
20. This security situation has grave consequences for our economy
and the welfare of our people. It affects our perceptions. It affects our
business environment. It affects our investment flows. It affects the growth
of our economy. And ultimately it affects the welfare of our people.
Governments Response
Madam Speaker,
21. Our Government responded to these challenges by
o Deepening our austerity measures through another round of expenditure cuts
amounting to Rs. 20 billion, banning of fresh recruitment andreducing petrol
allowances of senior Government officials.
o Pruning of expenditures through a Rs 100 billion cut in development expenditures,
while preserving regional balance and early completion of projects.
o Further limiting un-targeted subsidies
o Pushing for public sector enterprise reform especially in the area of energy
( I will say more about that later)
o In keeping with our objective to strengthen resource mobilization we took
several revenue actions:
o While we could not enact the RGST law because political
consensus eluded us, our resolve to expand the resource envelope
was not weakened. Exemptions and zero ratings in our sales tax
system were removed.
o Establishment of an automated refund system
o Levied one-off additional taxes to meet the requirement of our
citizens affected by floods. Measures for this effort were (i) a small
surcharge on income tax liabilities and (ii) raising the special
excise duty by 1.5%.
o We also worked on administrative reform at FBR reform ( I will
dwell on this later) which has started to yield results and the targets
for revenue collection are being achieved.
Madam Speaker,
22. As we begin the new fiscal year, I am confident that the difficulties
we have faced in the last three years are moderating. There are signs of recovery.
Most notably, during the year, our exports have shown an unprecedented growth
of 28% in the first ten months of the fiscal year. Similarly, remittances
are likely to cross the double digit mark at $11.2 billion, which is again
historic.
Remittances have crossed the one billion mark in each of the last three months-
another record. I can also report that we will have a surplus in the current
account of balance of payments at the end of this year. Owing to these positive
factors, the country has accumulated historic reserves of $17.3 billion and
the rupee has
displayed stability.
Madam Speaker,
23. Rural areas have benefitted from our policies. Due to the historic
decision of our Government to ensure higher commodity prices to our farmers,
Rs.400 billion have been injected into our rural economy, which in turn has
increased the production of agricultural commodities and the demand for durable
goods in the
economy has helped revive industrial production and brought prosperity.
However, there should be no mistake that our challenges remain daunting and
there is little room for complacency.
Challenges and Vision
Madam Speaker,
24. To put the economy on a stable and desirable long term growth trajectory,
several persistent challenges must be addressed NOW! We as a country:
o have struggled with chronic fiscal difficulties for the last 25 years leading
us to have worked a number of times under the IMF Programme.
o our growth rate has been less than what was needed to meet our
development needs.
o lack a long term focus and consistency in our economic policies to give
investors and entrepreneurs a stable enabling environment.
o have public sector enterprises that continue to drain the budget and block
market opportunities.
o have regulatory and governance structures that do not encourage
investment and the development of competitive markets.
Madam Speaker,
25. Democracy must be bold enough to take on these challenges, I urge
my colleagues to come to grips with these challenges. We must deliver development
to the people of our society while reducing our aid dependence.
26. We have a young population- 50% of our population is under the
age of 20, labor force is growing at 3.6% per annum. To employ the youth entering
the labor force, we need a growth rate of 7% per annum and more importantly
we must be able to sustain this growth rate for a decade or more. Unfortunately
we have never been able to sustain a growth rate of more than 6% for more
than three years. Moreover, our productivity growth rate is also far lower
than comparator countries. We need to address these issues and begin a period
of sustained high growth.
Growth Strategy
Madam Speaker,
27. We will make "jobs and growth" a national priority!
28. By factoring in our local conditions and after extensive engagement
with various stakeholders we have developed strategies to stimulate growth
in the
economy. The Government tasked the Planning Commission to develop a New Growth
framework to address the constraints to investment, productivity and competitiveness.
Even in this resource constraint environment where the PSDP is
limited, we estimate that a sustained implementation of reform strategy could
increase our growth rate by as much as 3 percentage points per annum.
29. While our development program will continue to build infrastructure
(and I will talk about that later), let me highlight some aspects of our "jobs
and growth" strategy;
o We must make productivity measurement and improvement a priority everywhere.
To begin with governance reforms will be developed to put in place performance
based and professional management focused on public sector service delivery.
o Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Reforms and selected privatization will not
only improve public sector productivity but will also provide more space for
private sector investment.
o More focused and professional regulation along with openness will seek to
develop vibrant markets to attract private investment.
o We will configure our cities through better management and liberalized building
and zoning regulations to unleash the potential of several industries including
construction, retail, ware housing, entertainment, hospitality, transport
etc.
o Youth will be engaged and included in every aspect of our economy. We hope
to unleash the potential of youth entrepreneurship in several of our new creative
cities.
Madam Speaker,
30. This is a large reform agenda, but one whose time has come. The
challenge is to work with the various ministries and provincial and local
Governments to operationalize and implement this agenda. If we are able to
implement this reform agenda well not only will we be able to accelerate our
growth to 7%, we will extend gainful opportunities to a large segment of our
youth. This is long overdue!
Budget Strategy 2011-12
Madam Speaker,
31. We will strengthen our stabilization efforts this year.
o We hope to reduce the fiscal deficit further.
o We hope to reduce our rate of inflation to single digit levels through continued
fiscal consolidation.
o Develop a broad, equitable and stable revenue mobilization system to meet
our development needs.
o Maintain and further develop social safety nets for the vulnerable while
moving rapidly towards the elimination of untargeted subsidies.
o Strengthen restructuring of the loss making public sector enterprises where
possible. We must also find the courage to close down or privatize where required.
o Invest through our public sector development program in vital
infrastructure and much needed human resource development.
o Reduce our debt to sustainable levels, well below the required 60% of the
Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act (FRDL).
32. To meet these objectives Madam Speaker, we are continuing to reduce
the fiscal deficit towards a long run target of 3% of GDP. Recall that last
year the deficit was 6.3% of GDP. As I noted before, this year, despite large
and unprecedented floods, substantial unprecedented increase in oil prices
and large
increase in food prices, our efforts have achieved a fiscal deficit of 5.1%
of GDP.
The budget of 2011-12, Madam Speaker, will target a budget deficit of 4% of
GDP. This target will allow us to achieve some debt reduction since our deficit
this year is going to be less than our requirement for debt servicing.
Madam Speaker,
33. We hear the complaints of the people and therefore are strongly
committed to reducing the rate of inflation. We have already committed to
discontinue borrowing from the State Bank through an amendment of the State
Bank Act which this House judiciously passed. We will also eliminate our debt
to the State bank within a period of eight years. Through these efforts, like
other prudent countries, we have ended the period of fiscal policy dominating
monetary policy.
Madam Speaker,
34. Meanwhile we are also taking several administrative measures for
easing the burden of inflation on the people.
i. We have intervened in commodity markets such as wheat and sugar to ensure
stable supplies at affordable prices.
ii. At times such as Ramadan, generous packages for the vulnerable have been
made available
iii. Our 7000 plus Utility Stores as well as itwar and juma bazaars have provided
crucial supplies at favorable prices to many
iv. Many levels of Government have collaborated to monitor supplies and prices
to prevent hoarding, shortages and excessive price increases
v. The Government gave hundreds of billions to energy sector as
subsidies
vi. The Government reduced its borrowing from the State Bank through strict
controls on spending to reduce inflation.
Energy Reforms
Madam Speaker,
35. I must emphasize that without eliminating our untargeted subsidies,
budgetary control will be impossible. In particular, our power system must
operate efficiently and cost effectively without subsidy and ensure full cost
recovery. The taxpayer must not pay for the management inefficiencies of these
entities.
36. The Government has subsidized power sector losses of over Rs. 1000 billion
in the last three years to ensure a lower tariff to consumers. The Government
has taken various steps to reduce inter corporate circular debt including
picking up of Rs 400 billion, improving PEPCO's receivables and creating efficiency
to reduce the difference between determined and notified tariff. In addition,
the Government has initiated conservation programmes to
create efficiency in the use of energy to control demand.
37. The Government is taking steps to improve regulatory oversight
by empowering NEPRA to notify monthly fuel adjustments in tariff directly.
NEPRA will also be professionally upgraded to manage and regulate the power
sector
more effectively following PEPCO's dissolution in July, 2011.
38. This Government has added over 2000 MW of electricity generation
and another 1400 MW are being added in this year.
Madam Speaker,
39. It must be recognized that reform will only be complete when we
have DISCOs and GENCOs that are professionally run as independent corporate
entities, controlling their losses, collecting their bills, and earning the
trust of their consumers. We have made a start in that direction, thanks to
our leadership. The Prime Minister has put in place professional Boards of
Directors to begin the process of corporate restructuring. In addition the
Cabinet Committee on Restructuring has approved codes of Conduct for the BODs,
and rules for inducting CEOs and CFOs. There are plans to bring the private
sector to manage these electricity companies.
Public Sector Enterprises (PSE) Reform
Madam Speaker,
40. Public Sector Enterprise inefficiency is choking our economy. These
must be urgently restructured. Our Cabinet Committee on Restructuring has
developed a restructuring model based on a professional Boards of Directors
and by inducting professional management from the market.
Madam Speaker,
41. Some progress has been achieved including restructuring BODs of
8 Power Sector Distribution Companies (DISCOs), National Transmission and
Dispatch Company (NTDC), Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and Pakistan Railways.
Turn around plans for power sector and PSM are under implementation and
consequently hemorrhaging has been curtailed in these PSEs. Madam Speaker,
we need to strongly push this reform forward in the next year. The restructuring
of PIA, PASSCO, USC and TCP is also underway. This is essential to reduce
the
burden on the budget and improve public service delivery.
Madam Speaker,
42. In addition to our restructuring efforts, the Cabinet Committee
on
privatization has also identified several public sector enterprises listing
on stock
market and privatization in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Given
our
fiscal problems, resources from the listings, a public offering and PPPprivatizations
of enterprises such as State Life, National Insurance, Steel Mill,
PIA, PSO, PPL and OGDCL could help provide much needed funds for
development and other important needs. In addition, these initiatives could
invigorate our markets and spark interests of the international investors
in
Pakistan. Madam Speaker, many countries have involved the private sector to
grow their economy. We should also!
Social Protection
Madam Speaker,
43. Even in these difficult times we have remained committed to the
ideals of
Shaheed Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and
provided for the poor, the weak and the vulnerable. Our Benazir Income Support
Program (BISP) has received acclaim from our development partners. It targets
the poor on international standards through surveys and score cards. It uses
technology so that the possibilities of corruption are limited. It is also
a very large
financial inclusion program since the subsidy is routed through the banking
system. This year we have spent Rs.35 billion for providing a monthly support
of
Rs.1000 to such households and next year we will take this amount to at least
Rs.50 billion and if additional resources are available this amount may be
increased to Rs.65 billion. Other than BISP, there are numerous other programs
under the Government auspices, both at federal and provincial levels, such
as
Bait-ul-Mal, Poverty Alleviation Fund (through micro-finance), EOBI, Workers
Welfare Fund and Zakat through which support to low income families is
provided.
Development Program
Madam Speaker,
44. Let me now turn to the development program of the Government. As you
are aware, this was a very difficult year in which resources were diverted
to meet
the challenges of relief and rehabilitation for the victims of the floods.
Then there
were unanticipated subsidies for electricity. To contain the budget deficit,
which
was feared to be exceeding 8%, it was inevitable to cut the development
expenditure. At the federal level, the development plan was reduced from Rs.290
billion to Rs.196 billion while the provincial plans were reduced from Rs.
430
billion to Rs. 270 billion. Thus the total development plan was reduced from
Rs.720 billion to Rs.466 billion.
45. Clearly, this was not a satisfactory solution but the consequences of
following the other path of increasing the deficit through printing of money
would
have meant devastating effects on our people, especially the weaker segments.
46. The NEC has approved an annual development plan of Rs.730 billion with
federal PSDP at Rs.300 billion and provincial plans at Rs.430 billion for
FY
2011-12.
47. Let me share some of the key features of the development priorities set
in
the Federal PSDP. These include completion of projects; regional balance;
provision of key infrastructure especially energy; provision for higher education;
continuation of vertical programs for health and education which will be
continued at the Federal level post 18th Amendment.
48. Major allocations in various sectors approved by the NEC:
a. First, we have allocated 96% of the development plan to on-going
schemes, in an effort to minimize the throw-forward in our
portfolio. Projects with foreign assistance and infrastructure have
been given preference.
b. 55% of the allocations have been made in the infrastructure sector
while 44% in the social sectors. It may be noted that social sector
allocation is still very high despite devolution of these sectors to
the provinces. This is because the federal Government has agreed
to continue to bear the cost of some of the key vertical-nation-wide
schemes such as lady health workers, immunization and family
planning.
c. Within the infrastructure sectors, the top priority has been given to
the water sector. Agriculture is the back-bone of our economy.
With rising population food security will require major expansion
both in agriculture output as well as productivity. While working
on water conservation to make better use of existing resources, our
future depends on radically altering the management of water
resources in the country. In the present budget we have kept an
allocation of Rs.33.2 billion, or 12% of the total PSDP for water
sector projects. Besides completion of Mangla Raising, the
program will include important projects like Satpara Multipurpose
Dam (Gilgit-Baltistan), Gomalzam (FATA), Kachhi Canal
(Balochistan), Rainee Canal (Sindh), Lower Indus Right Bank
Irrigation and Drainage Sindh, (Balochistan) Effluent Disposal into
RBOD, Extension of Right Bank and out fall Drain from Sehawan
to Sea, lining of Distributaries and Minors in Sindh.
d. The second most significant allocation in the infrastructure has
been accorded to power generation to overcome serious supply and
demand gaps in the sector. An allocation of Rs.32.5 billion is
planned for power generation, transmission, distribution and
conservation. Apart from this there will be an investment of Rs.83
billion which WAPDA and PEPCO will make through their own
resources. These investments will go a long way in addressing the
problem of the load-shedding in the country.
e. In the power sector many important projects are included in the
plan: Diamir Bhasha Dam (Rs.18 billion), Neelum Jhelum Hydro
Project of 1000 MW (Rs.10.8 billion), Guddu Combined Cycle
Power Project of 747 MW (Rs.14.6 billion) and Chicho ki malian
Thermal Power Project 525 MW (Rs.13.9 billion). In addition,
nuclear power projects such as C-3, C-4 for a capacity of 600 MW
are also being implemented and Rs.15.5 billion are allocated.
These projects will help meet the growing energy needs of the
country.
f. In the Transport and Communication Sector a sum of Rs.50 billion
has been allocated. Of this, Rs.36 billion has been allocated for
NHA and Rs.15 billion for Railways.
g. Health and Education are now provincial projects. However, some
responsibilities have been voluntarily accepted by the Government
in view of their critical need for the economy. For instance in the
health sector Rs.15 billion have been allocated to finance vertical
programs such as Expanded Program for Immunization, Lady
Health Workers, Primary Health Care and National Maternal Neonatal
and Child Health program. In the education sector, HEC will
remain the financial responsibility of the federal Government and
during the year Rs.40 billion have been allocated for its
development programs besides bearing the full amount of current
expenditures. Population welfare program will also be funded by
the federal Government at a cost of Rs.4 billion.
h. For special areas, including FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK an
amount of Rs.28 billion has been kept to promote development in
these areas.
i. Rs.33 billion have been allocated for People's Works Program
which are small infrastructure schemes undertaken on the
recommendations of the Parliamentarians.
j. In keeping with our growth strategy we will invest in the
infrastructure of our major cities. In particular, this year we hope to
start mass transit projects in Karachi and Lahore.
Relief to Government Employees
Madam Speaker,
49. The Government last year allowed an ad-hoc monthly allowance equal to
50% of basic pay. In addition, there was an increase in Medical Allowance
and
Pension. Despite tight financial position, the Government is aware of difficulties
being faced by Government servants and pensioners. In order to provide some
economic relief to the Government servants, following measures are proposed
to
be extended to the Civil Servants and the Personnel of the Armed Forces with
effect from 1st July, 2011:-
i. Pensioners who retired on or after 01.07.2002 may be allowed
an increase @ 15% and those who retired on or before
30.06.2002 may be allowed an increase @ 20% in pension.
ii. Existing Conveyance Allowance may be increased by 25% to
all the employees in BPS 1-15 and their equivalent in the
Armed Forces.
iii. All the Civil Servants and Personal of the Armed may be
allowed Conveyance Allowance at the prescribed rates
irrespective of their place of duty.
iv. Increase in misc allowance mostly admissible to the employees
in BPS 1-15.
v. All the ad-hoc relief allowances granted upto 01.07.2009 may
be merged in the Basic Pay Scales-2008 and to introduce the
new pay scales.
vi. Compulsory Monetization of transport facility to the Civil
Servants in BPS-20 to BPS-22 of the Federal Government.
vii. Increase in pay @ of 15% to all Government Employees and
the personnel of Arm Forces w.e.f. 1st July, 2011.
Madam Speaker,
50. It is important to undertake detailed scrutiny of all expenditures in
order to
reduce Government expenditure and to assess which expenditures are essential
for
the welfare of the people. The Government is establishing an independent
commission to scrutinize all development and current expenditure with a view
to
ensuring their necessity, efficacy and value to the public exchequer.
51. The salary structure of the Government has been distorted. The
Government is thus establishing an independent commission to examine the
structure of pay and allowances across the public services to bring equity
and
fairness across them.
Revised Estimates FY 2010-11, Budget Estimates FY 2011-12
Madam Speaker,
52. Let me now highlight the key features of the Budget 2011-12.
(i) The federal budgetary outlay for FY 12 is proposed at Rs. 2504
billion which is 12.3% higher than current year's outlay and total
net federal revenues are projected at Rs. 1529 billion. This
translates into a projected federal fiscal deficit of Rs. 975 billion.
Owing to higher revenue transfer to provinces through 7th NFC
award, a fiscal surplus of Rs. 125 billion is expected from
provinces. Overall fiscal deficit would be at the level of Rs 850
billion i.e. 4% of GDP.
(ii) Gross federal revenues (tax and non-tax) are projected at Rs. 2732
billion. FBR collection is projected at Rs. 1952 billion (FBR tax to
GDP ratio of 9.3%).
(iii) A sum of Rs. 1203 billion will be transferred to the provinces
under the 7th NFC Award compared to Rs. 998 billion estimated
(revised) during the current financial year.
PART-II
TAXATION PROPOSALS
Madam Speaker,
53. I turn now to an issue of the greatest importance in the budget. This
is our
historic failure to mobilize our resources. Our inability to raise tax-to-GDP
ratio.
Madam Speaker,
54. If we are really concerned about our sovereignty, if we actually want
a
better quality of life for our citizens, then we have to be self-reliant.
We have to
collect more revenues at the domestic level. A country the size of Pakistan
cannot
be managed in a self-reliant manner if our tax-to-GDP ratio continues to remain
as low as 10%. If the tax-to-GDP ratio of Sri Lanka can be 14%, of India 16%,
of
Malaysia 18% and Turkey 29% - why is it that Pakistan's revenue base is one
of
the lowest in the entire world?
Madam Speaker,
55. Just look at some facts relating to income tax.
o We are a country with a population of 180 million
o Only 2.8 million individuals are registered for income tax
o Only 1.5 million actually file returns
Speaker,
57. The Government has narrowed in on these individuals. We have identified
2.3 million such individuals. We have selected 700,000 individuals, for the
first
round to make them pay taxes. 71,000 notices have already been issued. In
the
next three months, each one of them would have been put on notice. Madam
Speaker it is our resolve to pursue these non-taxpayers, bring them in the
tax net
and add to the revenue base of our country. The initial results are most
encouraging. 9687 people who were sent notices have filed returns. Of the
initial
7484 provisional assessments made, a tax demand of around Rs.3 billion has
been
created.
Madam Speaker,
58. While the Government is determined to increase the tax base of Pakistan
the people of Pakistan lookup to this august House and to its Parliamentarians
to
lead the way and discharge their responsibility in promoting a culture of
paying
tax. Each one of us has a personal and a joint responsibility to emerge as
leaders
in the campaign for tax compliance. God forbid, if we shirk our responsibility
in
this cause, we would have failed our nation.
Madam Speaker,
59. After the passage of the 7th NFC award and the 18th Constitutional
Amendment much of the potential for growth in tax revenue has shifted to the
Provincial Governments. The Constitutional amendment gives the Provinces more
autonomy but along with it comes the responsibility to maintain fiscal discipline.
The enhanced role of Provincial Governments must compel them to take the lead
in ensuring an equitable tax structure and to effectively bring in areas such
as
agriculture income, services and property in the tax net.
Madam Speaker,
60. Our country suffers from an absence of a responsive tax culture. Tax
evasion is a big problem. This evasion is only possible with the collusion
of the
tax machinery. I wish to share with you some facts about tax evasion in our
country:
o Only 50% of registered corporate taxpayers and withholding agents
file their returns.
o Only 100,000 persons are registered under sales tax. Even out of this
small number, 24% do not file sales tax returns.
o There are massive complaints about evasion in customs duties through
under-invoicing and under-valuation.
o Alarming anomalies have surfaced in Afghan Transit Trade; the
missing containers case is only one instance of its misuse.
Madam Speaker,
61. We have already taken steps to curb tax evasion and corruption in our
country. We are fully committed to collect all taxes. FBR has been shaken
up.
Hundreds of placements have been made without influence and politics. Merit
is
our only criterion. I have personally addressed the rank and file of FBR.
I have
made it clear to them that if they work honestly and diligently, I would personally
champion their case for rewards and performance bonuses. I have also informed
them that corruption and slackness would not be tolerated. They would have
to
go. There cannot be any compromise on this principle. We cannot afford it!
Our
country cannot afford it!
Madam Speaker,
61. Let me share with you the results shown by a rejuvenated FBR:
o It is this very FBR which has collated data from different sources,
including NADRA, to identify the affluent who do not pay any tax.
o It is this very FBR which is making concerted efforts to bring 700,000
non-taxpayers into the tax net.
o It is this very FBR which, in just three months, has detected a short
deduction of Rs.25 billion in withholding taxes.
o It is this very FBR which has detected Rs.26 billion in irregular input
adjustment in sales tax; FIRs have been lodged against all companies
involved, without fear and favour.
o The FBR has completed 3577 risk based audit, raising a demand of
Rs.42 billion and collecting Rs.3.4 billion already.
o The FBR has been re-activated to pursue in Courts, the recovery of tax
demand of Rs.131 billion; applications for early hearing of cases and
vacation of stay orders beyond six months are being filed and
monitored on a monthly basis.
Madam Speaker,
62. This is just a beginning. More needs to be done. My point is that an
organization which was the subject of public ridicule and scorn can be changed
into an effective and functional organization provided we are prepared to
accept
and discharge our leadership role. Allow me to share with you some data on
a
matter of constant public concern, that is, tax refunds:
o The regime of sales tax refunds has been criticized by the stakeholders
and businesses for slowness and corruption. It was alleged that even
genuine refund cheques were only available after paying a price.
o Taking note of this practice, we introduced a centralized system of cheque
distribution at FBR level in end September, 2010. Please see what has
happened!
o In the period September to May, 09-10, only 13,000 cheques worth Rs.16
billion were refunded; in the same period for 10-11, 46,600 cheques
worth Rs.40 billion have been refunded
Madam Speaker,
63. I can claim with pride that all these cheques were issued to the taxpayers
in a most transparent manner and without the exchange of a single paisa of
graft. I
quote believe that with resolve and good intentions we will be able to minimize
and ultimately eliminate corruption from our tax machinery. In this regard,
we are
optimizing the use of technology to reduce the unnecessary contact between
the
taxpayer and the tax man.
Madam Speaker,
64. Administrative reforms in the FBR must be accompanied by structural
changes in our taxation system. One important example is replacement of our
prevalent sales tax system with a modern, integrated and reformed system.
The
reformed GST legislation is pending with the Parliament, for approval.
Meanwhile, we propose to continue with our structural reforms in this direction.
Madam Speaker,
65. In March, 2011 we removed some zero ratings and exemptions from the
sales tax regime. We are continuing with our efforts to remove distortions
in our
sales tax system by removing more exemptions and zero ratings. However, I
hold
out a pledge that in our tax proposals relating to sales tax we have protected
those
sectors which affect the common man. Madam Speaker, I affirm that the
Government does not wish to propose any sales tax on food items, education
sector and health sector. In addition, no sales tax is leviable on agricultural
produce. We also propose to abide by our international commitments on sales
tax
exemption, as well as protect charities from the operation of sales tax law.
Madam Speaker,
66. Since we have embarked on a program of broadening the tax base and
reforming our system of sales tax, I have the privilege to announce a reduction
in
the rate of sales tax from 17% to 16%. On full implementation of the sales
tax
reforms we pledge to reduce the rate even further. This reduction, on an across
the
board basis, would lower prices, provide relief to the common man as well
as
reduce the cost of doing business for our trade and industry.
Madam Speaker,
67. This budget presents a vision for future tax reform in Pakistan.
o We believe in equitable taxation; all sectors of the economy and all
persons deriving income beyond the exemption limit should be
brought in the tax net.
o In this context we are working closely with the provinces to improve
the systems and collections from agriculture income tax, sales tax on
services and taxes on property.
o I have already spoken in detail about the efforts at the federal level to
bring non-taxpayers into the tax net and to minimize tax evasion.
o In our vision the tax system needs to be simple. As such, we propose
to move away from multiple tax regimes and retain just three main
taxes - income tax, sales tax and custom duties.
Madam Speaker,
68. In furtherance of this objective, I am happy to announce that:
o All special excise duties are proposed to be abolished.
o In addition, 15 items out of the list of 46 federal excises are proposed
to be removed from the excise law.
o 392 regulatory duties out of 397 are proposed to be abolished, limiting
these to luxury vehicles, cigarettes, arms and ammunitions, betel nuts
and sanitary ware / tiles.
o FED on cement shall be phased out in 3 years. A reduction of Rs.
200/MT is proposed in the first year and equal reduction of the balance
of Rs. 500/MT in the next two budgets.
o Further, federal excise duty on beverages is also being phased out. It is
being reduced to 6% this year and would be completely abolished next
year.
Madam Speaker,
69. The revenue loss on account of the above measures would be compensated
by the following:
o Removal of selected exemptions and zero-ratings under GST.
o Revision of federal excise structure on cigarettes.
o Revision in rate of tax in lieu of value added tax on commercial
importers from 2% to 3%.
o Improving tax compliance through effective monitoring and risk
based audits
Madam Speaker,
70. We are contemplating different schemes to incentivise the taxpayer to
become fully compliant; prizes on sales tax receipts would be offered during
the
year to customers who retain these receipts. In this way, we propose to create
a
partnership with our citizens and make then responsible for ensuring that
taxes
paid by them are not pilfered by withholding agents.
Madam Speaker,
71. Several initiatives have been taken in this budget to promote investment,
which include increasing the money base for private credit, special incentives
for
equity based projects, BMR, expansion of existing production capacity and
capital
market growth measures.
72. Allow me to highlight the fiscal measures for banking sector/capital
market growth measures:
o In order to increase the money base for private credit and to
provide an incentive to individuals and non-residents, the tax rate
on interest income from Government securities will be 10%
with no tax return requirement.
o The rate of withholding tax on cash withdrawal is being brought
down from 0.3% to 0.2%.
o Last year we provided a 5% tax credit to a company in the year
of its enlistment. This year, this rate is being increased to 15%.
o Limit for adjustment of minimum tax on turnover is being
increased from 3 years to 5 years.
73. In order to promote savings, some of the measures taken are:
o Tax credits for investment in shares through IPOs and in voluntary
pension funds are being allowed at 15% from 5%.
o Capping of Rs. 500,000 is being deleted to encourage investments
in voluntary pension scheme.
And for facilitating exports:
o Supply against international tenders is proposed to be treated as
deemed exports since winning of international tenders by local
bidders is important to promote entry into international
procurement markets.
Madam Speaker,
74. We are aware of the increase in cost of living and of our responsibility
to
deliver financial assistance where needed and support families and their children.
At the cost of repetition, let me announce that:
o The GST rate is being reduced from 17% to 16%.
o Special excise duty is being abolished. Some federal excise duties
are also being abolished; others are being phased out.
34
o The Government has also decided to raise the tax-free limit from
Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 350,000. However incomes above Rs. 300,000
would continue to be subjected to filing of returns, to institute a
culture of compliance; no wealth statement would be required on
incomes upto Rs. 1 million; at present the threshold is Rs. 500,000.
o We are not increasing custom duty on any product. In fact, for 31
categories, customs duty is being simplified and reduced.
o Custom duty on 22 essential raw materials for the pharma industry
used for producing anti-biotic, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic and TB
medicines are being reduced substantially.
o I am also happy to announce that as promised, there is no
extension in the duration of the one-off taxes levied due to floods:
15% surcharge on income tax and 1.5% increase in special excise
duty.
o Regulatory duty on 392 out of 397 items is being abolished.
Madam Speaker,
75. Our country suffers from the menace of smuggling and under-invoicing.
The Afghan Transit Trade facility is being abused by some of our importers
creating distortions in the market. I am happy to report that we have signed
the
Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 2010. Under the agreement
it has been made mandatory to submit financial guarantees equivalent to leviable
taxes. This guarantee would only be releasable on cross-match of data with
Afghan Customs. The following measures are also noteworthy:
o Equipment support such as weigh bridges, container scanners and
tracking posts will be installed to monitor movement of containers
o transport of afghan transit goods has been restricted to vehicles of
customs bonded carriers hired by NLC for effective monitoring
and inventory control
o A mechanism for exchange of data through Electronic Data
Interfacing (EDI) is being established at Torkhum and Chamman.
o a national valuation database has been established which provides
online access for verification of mis-declaration of value
Madam Speaker,
76. I have presented the highlights of our taxation measures for the financial
year 2011-12. The full details have been provided in the Finance Bill.
Madam Speaker,
77. I would like to graciously appreciate the guidance and support that I
and
my team continue to get from the President, Prime Minister, my Cabinet
colleagues and all other members of the Government. This year has been difficult.
But our efforts have paid off. With difficulty we seem to have navigated troubled
waters and are beginning to see calm sea. However, there is much to be done
to
consolidate stabilization and accelerate and sustain growth.
78. Through this year we have engaged in an extensive consultative process
across the country to share the challenges that we face. In addition we have
been
totally transparent in all policy deliberations with our allies as well as
the
opposition. In this connection I would like to extend my gratitude and
professional appreciation to our allied political parties-ANP, MQM and PML-Q.
I
and my team have benefited enormously from interactions with several civil
society organizations and forums, such as the Chambers of Commerce. In
particular I would like to mention the efforts of the experts of the Economic
Advisory Council and the Revenue Advisory Council.
Madam Speaker,
79. The Budget that I have presented to you today is ambitious but realistic.
It
is embedded in a medium term macroeconomic strategy that will create enabling
environment for strong private sector investment. I am convinced that
implementation of this budget and strategy will secure the foundations of
financial discipline that we have been seeking for decades which will push
the
economy on to a higher and sustainable growth path.
Madam Speaker,
80. We have laid an ambitious program of reform before you. This reform
program is essential for delivering the vision of a poverty-free and a prosperous
Pakistan entrusted to us by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. We must prove ourselves worthy of their legacy.
Madam Speaker,
81. I hope that all of us will put aside our minor differences to bring progress
and prosperity to our people who are beset with security challenges, economic
hardships and unrealized dreams. With the help of a united Parliament we can
be
assured of a strong implementation of the program and policies that we have
presented to you today. It is this quality of unity that is required to accelerate
us
out of a current recession into a high growth trajectory of over 7% per annum
to
employ our youth.
82. Let us all feel the resolve of our forefathers who created this nation
and
take on the challenge to carry it into the 21st century. We must all recall
the
golden rule of the Quaid-i-Azam. I quote:
"there would be ample revenues from equitable taxation levied in a
manner consistent with social justice to finance good governance and
allow us to have a state as good as any in the world and better than
many sovereign countries on the map of the world today"
83. I thank you Madam Speaker! Pakistan Paindabad