"Our institutions will be strengthened and 2019-20 will be the year of change," Azhar says. "The govt will avoid taking loans from the SBP to cover shortfalls, while inflation will be targeted to be kept between 5-7pc."

DEVELOPMENT BUDGET:

  • The National Development Programme will have a total size of Rs1,800bn
  • Of this, Rs950bn will be spent by federal
  • Rs70bn on dam projects; Rs15bn and 20bn respectively for Bhasha and Mohmand dam land acquisition
  • Rs55bn for Dasu hydro power project
  • Rs24bn have been earmarked for Havelian Thakot motorway
  • Samrial Kharian motorway to also be constructed
  • Govt has earmarked Rs60bn for human development
  • Higher education will receive Rs45bn
  • Agriculture will receive Rs1.2tr in the federal development budget
  • Rs45.5bn have been set aside for nine projects in Karachi
  • Balochistan development package to get Rs10.4bn and Rs30bn for water projects

Editorial

09 Aug, 2026

Makkah agreement

IN the midst of a gruelling war between the US and Iran — currently at a stalemate — the signing of the Makkah...
09 Aug, 2026

Conflicting priorities

THERE is a reasonable argument that the democratic process must go on regardless of prevailing conditions; that...
09 Aug, 2026

FIFA controversy

FIFA PRESIDENT Gianni Infantino is at the centre of a storm of his own making. Even after a crisis meeting in...
Updated 08 Aug, 2026

Danger ahead

PAKISTAN has already paid a heavy human price this monsoon, even as another dangerous spell approaches. NDMA figures...
08 Aug, 2026

Israeli impunity

ANY hope that Hamas’s decision to disarm would lead to a breakthrough has been dashed for one simple reason:...
Updated 08 Aug, 2026

Flawed investigations

An inaccurate record of a victim’s wounds hinders the dispensation of justice. Medical examiners in such a critical area cannot cut corners.