ISLAMABAD: Despite tall claims of adopting austerity measures by the government, both the President House and the Prime Minister Office spent 12 to 17 per cent extra money than allocated to them for running their affairs for the fiscal year 2016-17.

According to statistics of the budget 2017-18 announced by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday, allocations for the President House and the PM Office have been increased by 12.3pc and 17.5pc, respectively, for the forthcoming fiscal year.

The two offices have been receiving an increase in their annual budget since the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came to power in 2013. Furthermore, every year they received extra money than the allocated funds for them.

For the fiscal year 2016-17, allocations for the presidency were increased by 5pc and that for the PM Office 8pc. For the fiscal year 2014-15, allocation of funds for the two offices received a jump from 3 to 10pc.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2017